Carette "Toy" hot air engine - circa 1910

Two weeks ago, I attended an engine show in Western PA. The feature of the show was "Hot Air Engines". They came in from several East Coast & Mid West States to display their treasures. I showed several of my hot air engines and had the pleasure of seeing a bunch of other hot air engines as well as talking to their owners. A great weekend for me.
While looking at my friend Brent's display I noticed that he had this Carette engine for sale. I had sold several items myself, so I thought that since I had the cash burning a hole in my pocket, "this is the time for me to splurge on a nice piece". I purchased his little hot air engine that he had for sale for my collection.
It is a toy that was made in 1910 by the George Carette Company.
Carette was a toy maker of the highest caliber and is well known for his workmanship and attention to detail, and it shows in this engine.
The Carette Company made many different toys and models, all of exceptional quality. I have their trade catalog of 1911 and in this 195 page book, you can find the many items that they made, including, but not limited to, steam powered trains and boats, accessory items, wind up items that can run for 1/2 hr. on a winding, and of course, this beautiful vertical hot air engine
The engine, model #686/2, stands 14 1/2" tall, powered by a small alcohol burner, and runs remarkably well, (nice and slow, the way I like them to run). The original factory cost in 1911 was $24.00 (quite a sum for a toy for the time)
It has all of the original paint (including the pin striping ). Tiny oil cups are alongside the flywheels for lubrication.
It's base and cylinder area are made from cast iron and it has a tin shield around the burner.
It is a prize that I will long appreciate......