Object Details
Description (Brief)
This toy steam turbine, made by Weeden Manufacturing, consists of a firebox and boiler in a pressed sheet metal container painted to simulate brickwork. The boiler has a sight glass and safety valve, with a steam line powering a turbine wheel made from an eggbeater gear that is connected to a second gear. A line shaft is connected to the toy’s wooden base that could be strung to the turbine and power a variety of toy machine accessories.
The Weeden Manufacturing Company was founded in New Bedford, Massachusetts by William M. Weeden in the early 1880s, originally producing a variety of tinplate household items. In 1884 it introduced the Weeden No. 1 Steam engine as “a new and great premium for boys” who were subscribers to the Youth’s Companion magazine. Weeden made over a hundred different models of toy steam engines until the company ceased operations in 1952.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Bequest of the Estate of Greville I. Bathe
ID Number
MC.329050
catalog number
329050
accession number
278175
Object Name
toy, steam turbine and boiler
steam turbine and boiler, toy
Measurements
overall: 16 3/4 in x 12 3/4 in x 7 1/2 in; 42.545 cm x 32.385 cm x 19.05 cm
overall: 16 3/4 in x 12 3/4 in x 7 1/2 in; 42.545 cm x 32.385 cm x 19.05 cm
place made
United States: Massachusetts, New Bedford
Related Publication
Maass, Eleanor A.. Greville Bathe's "Theatre of Machines": The Evolution of a Scholar and His Collection
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Work and Industry: Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Family & Social Life
Engineering, Building, and Architecture
Engineering Steam Toys and Models
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_847215