Bidspirit auction | Metal Ware Corp. Empire Model

Metal Ware Corp. Empire Model B31 Electric Vertical Steam Engine - A vintage American-made electric toy steam engine featuring a vertical brass boiler and a cast iron base finished in red paint. This model employs an electric heating element housed within the base to generate steam, which is then delivered to a single-acting cylinder. The mechanical assembly includes a red-painted cast metal flywheel, a manual steam whistle with a lever, and a safety valve. A silver-toned metal exhaust stack is fitted to the top of the boiler. The unit is mounted on a heavy flared base. A metal identification plate is riveted to the front of the red base; it features a diamond-shaped logo containing the name EMPIRE and reads METAL WARE CORP. TWO RIVERS, WIS. VOLTS 110 WATTS 350 CAT. NO. B31 MADE IN U.S.A. The catalog number B31 is stamped into the plate. The underside of the cast iron base is embossed with the alphanumeric character B2. The internal heating assembly is visible from the underside, showing a central ceramic or mineral-insulated heating well and two screw-terminal electrical contacts. The boiler and stack assembly measures approximately 7.5 inches in length. The total height of the unit is approximately 10.75 inches. The item shows significant signs of age and historical use. The red paint on the cast iron base and engine support is heavily chipped and worn, with the most prominent losses located along the base edges and near the identification plate (photo 1). The brass boiler cylinder exhibits a dark aged patina with scattered surface scratches, water spotting, and minor oxidation (photo 3). The internal heating well shows heavy soot accumulation and oxidation (photo 5). The electrical wiring is missing its external cord, leaving the two screw terminals exposed on the underside (photo 5). The white ceramic or plastic insulators on the engine frame are intact. The mechanical functionality and electrical safety of the unit have not been tested; professional inspection is required before any attempt to operate.