Object Details
Description (Brief)
This Weeden Toy Steam Traction Engine was manufactured by the Weeden Manufacturing Company of New Bedford, Massachusetts from around 1926-1935. The steam traction engine consists of a black firebox, tin boiler painted brown and horizontal engine powering a flywheel which is chained to the rear wheel. The back of the engine has a steam whistle, and the rear is stamped “WEEDEN/TRADEMARK/U.S. Patent Office.”
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
date made
ca 1900
Early 20th Century
ID Number
MC.328928
catalog number
328928
accession number
278175
Object Name
toy, traction engine
Measurements
overall - from catalog card: 7 1/2 in x 7 in; 19.05 cm x 17.78 cm
overall: 7 3/8 in x 3 1/2 in x 6 3/8 in; 18.7325 cm x 8.89 cm x 16.1925 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
See more items in
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_847159