Weeden Manufacturing Co. No. 17 Reversible Vertical Steam Engine *SOLD*

Weeden Manufacturing Co. No. 17 Reversible Vertical Steam Engine 

This is a No. 17 reversible vertical steam engine manufactured by Weeden Manufacturing Co. of New Bedford, Massachusetts. 

We did not fire this engine up, but the pistons and the flywheel spin and move as expected and operate smoothly by hand. The double wick burner is included. The bottom burner door is present, attached, and operates as it should. The oft lost water level sight glass is intact, as is the governor flyball. The top wooden handle to the valve is original and intact. The pipe on the side appears to have resoldered back in to place, but has since come loose again. This comes with a funnel and pan. 

The Weeden No. 17 was first manufactured in the 1890’s and continued to be made until about 1933. The 17 was the first engine to have a forward and reverse lever that channeled the steam from one port to the other while running. It has a sheet metal base with four lead cast feet supporting it. These engines came with three styles of boilers, brass, nickel plated or blued.

Our example of this Weeden live vertical steam engine is in excellent all original condition with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch ups (other than those mentioned above). This piece shows the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. It is approximately 8 1/4″ H and the base is 5 1/2″ L x 4 1/2″ W. This would be a great and impressive addition to any collection. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition. 

A brief history of Weeden Manufacturing Co. of New Bedford, Massachusetts:

1883 – 1852

Founder: William N. Weeden

Specialty: Produced working toy steam engines in 1884, as well as, steamboats, fire engines, and automobiles in miniature with steam as motor power. Manufactured several ultimate rarities among clockwork tin mechanical banks, including “Ding Dong Bell” and “Japanese Ball Tosser”.