Bidspirit auction | 1919 Martalex Engine Electric Piston

1919 Martalex Engine Electric Piston Solenoid Motor - A United States manufactured Martalex Engine, designed as a reciprocating solenoid-style electric motor. The device is constructed with a heavy cast-iron base featuring a black japanned finish and incorporates a horizontal solenoid coil wrapped in a protective gray-green fiber cover. This coil acts upon a metal plunger connected to a steel connecting rod, which drives a spoked metal flywheel. The electrical system includes two brass thumb-screw terminal posts mounted to the base and a mechanical contact-breaker timing mechanism located near the flywheel axle. The base features raised cast lettering reading MARTALEX ENGINE. The solenoid coil bears a multicolored oval adhesive decal with a red script logo reading Martalex, above smaller text reading MFG. CO. INC. and MADE IN U.S.A. to the left. The black-painted metal end cap of the solenoid is impressed with the text PAT 1-21-19. The base measures approximately 6.25 inches in length as shown against the ruler in photo 6. The flywheel diameter is approximately 3.5 inches as shown against the ruler in photo 6. The engine shows signs of age and significant surface oxidation, particularly on the unpainted steel flywheel, connecting rod, and axles (photo 1, photo 5). The black finish on the cast iron base exhibits scattered chips and wear, most notably along the edges (photo 3, photo 5). The original Martalex decal on the coil is present but shows surface wear and minor losses to the gold border (photo 2). The fabric-insulated wiring between the terminal and the contact points is heavily frayed and shows significant deterioration of the insulation (photo 2, photo 6). The mechanical components appear complete, though the engine has not been tested for electrical function.