A finely detailed exhibition standard electrified ½in.:1ft. scale display model of a Willens patent Tandem Compound Central Valve High Speed Engine of circa 1901

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Details

A finely detailed exhibition standard electrified ½in.:1ft. scale display model of a Willens patent Tandem Compound Central Valve High Speed Engine of circa 1901
built by H. Clarkson and Son, York, England 1964, with brass-bound mahogany lagged single acting cylinders approximately 1in. and 1½in. bores mounted on a common and enclosed crankcase, inlet steam pipework with flanged joints, main stop valve, brass-bound mahogany lagged preheater with chain valve and water gauge, overhead inlet ports with displacement lubricators, shaft governor with hand wheel speed adjustment, linkage and valve. Further details include cylinder drains and pipes, crankcase breather and draincock, disc flywheel with barring holes, direct coupled round frame dynamo with gear box and chain drive to crankshaft from a concealed electric motor, finished in green, black and polished brightwork --13 x 15in. (33 x 38cm.). Brass plate engraved 'Willens Patent Double Compound Central-Valve Engine 1901 Willens & Robinson Ltd. Victoria Works, Rugby, England. Scale ½in.=1ft.'; and a framed historical note, museum file

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Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium. This lot, if not cleared by 1pm on the next business day following the sale will be removed to the warehouse of: Cadogan Tate Ltd., Fine Art Services Cadogan House, 2 Relay Road, London W12 7SJ. Tel: 44(0)20 8735 3700. Fax: 44(0)20 8735 3701. Lots will be available for collection following transfer to Cadogan Tate, every week-day from 9am to 5pm. An initial transfer and administration charge of £3.20 (Paintings) or £18.50 (Furniture/Objects) and a storage charge of £1.60 (Paintings) or £ 3.20 (Furniture/Objects) per lot per day will be payable to Cadogan Tate. These charges are subject to VAT and an insurance surcharge. Exceptionally large pictures will be subject to a surcharge.

Lot Essay

In 1884 and 1885 Peter Willen (1851-1892) patented his central valve engine. In this design the steam was distributed by a piston valve inside a hollow piston rod, worked by an eccentric on the crankpin. The engine was vertical, totally enclosed splash lubricated. It was made with tandem cylinders as simple, compound or triple expansion and with one, two, or three cranks. It was manufactured to close limits so that the parts were interchangeable. It was ultimately built in sizes up to 2,500 horse power and was very economical.
The Willens engine held its own for twenty years, when it was finally rendered obsolete by the steam turbine about 1904.

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