Andrew Nethercott Antiques has dated this piece to the 1880s.
probably made by
'Stephens Model Dockyard'
In fine unrestored condition with dark patinated surfaces and remnants of original lacquer ring decoration to the boiler.
Not steam tested, all moving parts are smooth running and not worn.
In very good sound condition with minimal if any old re soldered elements, no damage or repair.
Length of loco 8" or 202mm
Gauge 3" or 76mm
Weight 723 grams
Birmingham Dribbler or carpet railway describes a type of very early model railway. It is a bit of a misnomer, as the railway featured a model live steam railway locomotive, but no track – the locomotive was simply run across the floor. In some cases, the front wheels were even made steerable so that they could be run in a circle without track. They first appeared in the 1840s and became very popular Victorian model railway toys.
The steam locomotives were very simple, usually made in brass, with a pair of simple oscillating cylinders driving the main wheels. They were basically a boiler mounted on wheels, although simple decoration (usually bands of lacquer) was sometimes applied. Track was not used – the boiler was filled with water, the burner lit, and when steam was being produced, the locomotive was placed on the floor and allowed to run until either the water or fuel ran out or the engine crashed into the furniture. Very quickly, after a number had exploded, simple safety valves were fitted.
They quickly gained the nickname of Birmingham Dribblers (or sometimes "Piddlers"), as large numbers of them were made in Birmingham, England, and they had the unfortunate habit of leaving a trail of water behind them as they ran across the floor. Very often this trail would be mixed with the fuel used for the burner, and there were numerous incidents of fires caused by the locomotive crashing into furniture and over-turning so that the burning fuel was spilled over the floor. As time passed, embellishments were added, such as wooden buffer beams, buffers and steam whistles.
Stevens's Model Dockyard was a company which made and sold models, toys and parts for modellers (not to be confused with the original Model Dockyard or Clyde Model Dockyard - different companies dealing in similar products). Established 1843, it was located in Aldgate, London.
Their products included model sailing boats and hulls, steam boats, boat fittings, stationary steam engines, machine tools, marine engines, railway locomotives, railway rolling stock, track, lineside accessories, steam engine parts, clockwork motors, hydraulic motors, boilers, electric motors, electrical novelties, telegraphs, electrical accessories, optical instruments and books. They also sold Meccano, Klipit and other branded items.[1] Most of their products appear to have been made in the company's own workshops, but there may have been some items bought in and rebranded.
They are particularly known for the type of steam toy known as "Birmingham Dribblers". These, along with other steam engines, are now popular collector's pieces
Andrew Nethercott Antiques has dated this piece to the 1880s.
Works of art, collectables, scientific and decorative antiques from the 17th - 20th century
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Andrew Nethercott Antiques Profile Page
Toy Live Steam Engine Locomotive Train Brass Birmingham Dribbler Piddler Stevens Model Dockyard 1880
