You have shown me what I have here, tinplate guys. Thank you

Can't shed any light on it Ted but it's cool that is has survived as long as it has. And it still works too

Bob

Im no expert, but it looks like a c 1900 or before Ives or Dayton floor train, that sort of toy... The front valance design is a real clue to the manufacturer I should think.  Regardless, a real treasure!

manufacturer probably James Fallows & Son, Philadelphia Pa. Made around 1880.

Wow, what a nice piece.
What stories it could tell if it only could talk

I agree it looks like Fallows or Althoff Bergman pre-1900. Fallows made a Jupiter, Skip, and Rocket locos as well however they were not clockwork and had smaller rear wheels.

TedW, if this is your introduction to the world of Tinplate, the first thing to wrap your head around is that your locomotive is most certainly not "Obviously in terrible shape". It is magnificent!  It appears to be completely original, which is 98% of the tinplate game; and there seem to be no parts missing or even significantly damaged, which is the other 2%.  For extra points, you even have the original winding key!  And then the real clincher is that it is a family heirloom from your grandfather, which puts you and your loco in a very elite class. And 19th century!  And in working condition!  WOW! is right!

I do like the leaf-pattern red cow catcher, have never seen anything like it. 

david

A beautiful piece of tin art, for sure. a treasure o have.

Well, suffice to say I’m surprised and somewhat embarrassed, that I had such a nice little piece of tinplate “art”, and was ignorant as to how special it might be. Thank you grandpa!   Has always been fun to have on the shelf, to look at, and talk about when it was noticed by someone.  And of course it will stay there. I appreciate you all giving me your thoughts on the origin, condition and period.  Would be nice to have a definitive manufacture name and time period, but will yield to your collective expertise for the information you are able to provide.  Thank you.  Ted

Here a picture from the book "The World of Antique Toys by Jeffrey S. Levitt". I think, it´s the same loco.

Arne

that's a great piece with family history.

Arne posted:

Here a picture from the book "The World of Antique Toys by Jeffrey S. Levitt". I think, it´s the same loco.

Arne

Boy, I think you’ve found a winner.  Taking a photo of the top of the boiler, it doesn’t look like it ever had a bell soldered to it(an indication it’s missing).  And, of course the pilot is different.  Were variations common?  Or is originality now suspect?

TedW posted:

 Were variations common?  Or is originality now suspect?

 

I would not be concerned, these old toys had innumerable variations.

I agree with Hojack - they were REALLY toys back then and variations were the norm.  As for providing an answer to the original question of your thread - you have a real gem. 

Thanks guys, you’ve made a special toy even more so with the information gleaned from your collective expertise.  Thanks to all.  Ted

A TRUE TREASURE in every respect!