Help, what is it?

[sable86]

Going through the attic this Christmas season I stumbled upon a piece of machinery under the insulation. Seems to be a steam engine of some sort. Some say it was a toy steam engine from the 20's. Others say it was part of the machinery used to power and move the old window displays of the time. It has a tag, "Metal Ware Corp, Empire, Model B30". Underneath it has an engraving "PAT JAN 1921". I've already gone to one antique dealer but he was no help. Would anyone here be able to help me figure this one out?

[JBoogie]

i think it is a toy. there is a guy with a website pertaining to these. search google for model steam engines. hope this helps.

[sable86]

I will try that, thank you for the lead...

[Alan New]

It's definitely a toy. I've had several similar to it over the years. There should be a cord to plug into it, as there is a an electric element under the boiler to heat it to make steam to run it.

[Elden DuRand]

I had one of those when I was a kid. I think it came with an erector set. This was in the late '40's so I guess they were around for a while.

Not much of a steam engine, though. I remember that it would barely pull a little erector set ferris wheel.

Nowadays, that's not a problem. It's a collector's item and if it runs at all, that's good enough.

Take care - Elden

[sable86]

Wow! It makes a lot of sense. I did notice a small spindle on it and that would be perfect to wrap some sort of belt or rubber band around.

A little FYI for everyone:

I have just gotten an contact and address at the original manufacturer. I've asked for any history they could provide so I will keep you all posted.

Thank you all for your help!

[KidDynamo]

An eBay search for Empire engine will usually turn up a half a dozen Empire toy steam engines.