Nice 1930s Empire B31 Live Steam Engine - Air Tested

Description: LIVING ESTATE SALE (Details at the end of description) SU/AI For your consideration is an antique Empire B31 Electric Live Steam Engine made in the USA in the 1930s. The Empire B31, with a vertical boiler, was produced between 1921 and 1931. This is a beautiful and strong combination of cast iron, solid copper, brass and bronze. It is electrically heated. This is a beautiful design and a gorgeous combination of engineering and beauty. This is a beautiful and historic piece that would make a gorgeous display...and it works !It has been air tested (video).As the electric element warms up (using the "new old stock" electric cord that is provided), it might actually operate on steam. As the electric component in close to 100 years old though, it might be a challenge. The antique engine has been brushed to enhance the beauty of the solid copper and bronze. Here are a few things to report : - There is a noticeable dent on top of the boiler (photos). - The whistle dome is not original. It does blow but does not whistle. - The wooden handle of the steam valve has a crack in it (photo). If you decide to try firing it, distilled water is strongly recommended. Please select the shipping system that suits you best. Condition : This Piece of History is very nice but not pristine. It has been air tested (video). The electric element warms up (using the provided cord) but it might be a challenge to operate on steam. It is complete with a few replacement parts. The whistle dome is a replacement. It does blow but does not whistle. It has been polished to enhance the natural beauty of copper and bronze. There is a noticeable dent on top of the boiler (photo). The steam valve handle has a crack in it (photo). Still a gorgeous piece to display. I would rate it a solid C6. VERY IMPORTANT : I am offering four shipping options. You can check the cost by clicking next to shipping on "See Details" or make your choice at take-out. The default is usually UPS Ground as Expedited Shipping can be expensive and is not necessarily more reliable. Please keep in mind that I do not control the cost of shipping that is calculated by eBay. Free pick-up is always available (Rock Hill, SC). LESS IMPORTANT : Items are packed and ready for shipping when I make the listing. Combined shipping cannot be done if one item is larger than 8 x 8 x 8 packed. If it is possible, smaller items can be combined upon request prior to the payment. Guarantee : Item is guaranteed to be as described. I am a very honest seller hoping to deal with honest buyers. If I know something is wrong, I will disclose it but I certainly can make an honest mistake and will do my very best to correct it. Warning : Many of these older collectibles are not in compliance with today's safety standards. It is the responsibility of the buyer to determine whether or not they are still suitable for their intended purpose. Adult supervision is indispensable with any steam engine. Packaging :Items are packed carefully and should remain undamaged through a standard level of care during handling. LIVING ESTATE SALE DETAILS :I had my first steam engine when I was 9 years old. That was 65 years ago. I have been collecting them for 25 years and I am now 74. None of my descendants is interested in the collection, so I decided that it was time to liquidate. As of November 2024, I still have over 1,300 engines of all kinds to list. I believe in full disclosure. It takes me about an hour to list one item, between the assessment, the testing, the video, the photos, the description and the very careful packaging. I try to have very reasonable prices. At comparable quality, my prices are probably the lowest on the market.

Price: 199 USD

Location: Rock Hill, South Carolina

End Time: 2024-12-09T12:53:14.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD