Posted 13 years ago
stefdesign
(82 items)
Surprisingly, this was a wedding present, given to us when we were married nearly 34 years ago. From a dear friend, who knew of my love for all things old and interesting!
It's a patent model for a steam engine valve, submitted for patent in 1867, and approved in 1868. It came with the tag too! Don't you love the awesome scripty handwriting?
Unfortunately, the valve nozzle (?) opening came to some untimely damage a few years ago, when something fell on it. But probably no one will ever notice. You didn't notice did you? LOL!
Oh! By the way, when I posted this on my collector blog a few months ago, I did a bit of research on Mr. William G. Pike, and discovered a bit about him, including an old patent drawing for another steam valve he had patented. You can read about it here. http://copycatcollector.blogspot.com/2012/01/collection-150-antique-valve-prototype.html
I love patent models-- be sure to get the complete patent information at Google patents:
http://www.google.com/patents?id=u58AAAAAEBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=73381&hl=en&sa=X&ei=b9muT8rgIdS4twe63qTiCA&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAA
Scott
Thanks Scott!
Great item stef, and all carved out of wood too. Mechanical models are fascinating.
Looks like some of the inlet/outlet part that broke are missing? Do you still have the pieces?
As far as I know, except for the little spout-like thing that I broke myself, this is the way it came. It looks from the patent drawings that there might have been some sort of lever or winder, that did not come with my model. But I still think it's pretty awesome.
That it is.
Good morning.
May I ask if this model could be for sale or trade? I am working on a non-profit museum dedicated to history of early steam which includes patent models, live models and photographs of early steam engines and items related to them. The collection is slowly growing and I am looking for pieces around the world to add to the museum. Please, let me know. If you collect something particular and not early steam engines, I might find something interesting to trade with you, if you.
Thank you.
Regards, Roman.
Thanks for asking. However, since it was a wedding present from a dear, childhood friend, I think I'll hang onto it!
No problem. Sorry, I forgot that it was a wedding present. Items like that are priceless. I have to say that this is probably the most unusual present I have ever seen :)