Lot 206:
Description
A Wilesco tinplate and metal live steam boiler plant featuring a horizontal boiler and brick-effect firebox mounted on a blue rectangular base. The unit is constructed with a metal boiler, typically brass or copper with a nickel finish, housed within a lithographed tinplate firebox designed to resemble brown brickwork. The boiler is fitted with a weighted safety valve lever, a circular front-mounted water level sight glass, and a steam take-off valve controlled by a red plastic handwheel. The unit includes silver-toned metal walkways with railings and ladders to either side of the boiler.
The blue-painted base plate carries an adhesive red and white label reading Wilesco, Made in W.-Germany, alongside a circular logo for the Rheinisch-Westfälischer TÜV e.V. Essen Geprüft safety certification. A further red cautionary label is affixed to the front of the base, reading Wasserstand beachten! / Watch water level!. The firebox features circular ventilation holes and an opening at the rear for a chimney. This lot comprises the boiler and base plate unit only; the steam engine assembly, burner tray, and chimney are not included.
Condition report:
The item shows signs of significant age and use throughout. The blue base plate exhibits surface oxidation, pitting, and rust, particularly around the corners and mounting cut-outs (photo 1). The boiler exterior is heavily dulled with oxidation and scattered surface corrosion (photo 4). The lithographed brickwork shows some heat-related discolouration and wear (photo 5). The water level sight glass is present but requires cleaning, and the red plastic handwheel shows minor wear but appears intact (photo 1). The safety valve and weighted lever remain in place (photo 7). The burner tray, engine components, and chimney are missing from their respective locations (photo 4).
Share this lot:
