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Author Topic: Can Anyone Identify The Manufacturer?  (Read 805 times)

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Can Anyone Identify The Manufacturer?
« on: December 29, 2025, 07:59:55 pm »
Hello,

I had a "poor little puppy is alone out in the rain" reaction when I saw this engine on eBay.  It's rough but complete and it ran on air.  Something made me get it.

Problem is, I can't figure out what brand it is.  The seller said it was German.  There are no identifying marks of any kind.  The most distinguishing features are the vertical slots on both sides of the firebox, the thick stripe on the base, and the unusual steam feed line that goes into the BOTTOM of the boiler.  The railing and stanchions suggest this is an entry level model of a nicer manufacturer.

The whistle is frozen in its bush and the handle is frozen in place.  Unless a good vinegar soak loosens it up, I may need to get a replacement whistle or bush or both.  Without a manufacturer name I am stuck.

I compared it to all the German models listed in the Toy Steam Bible, and the closest match I could find is Bing, but even that is a weak match at best.

Can anybody shed some light on what I have here?

Thanks!

Paul
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Re: Can Anyone Identify The Manufacturer?
« Reply #1 on: December 30, 2025, 07:09:00 am »
That's an unusual one Paul, the steam line going into the bottom is also unusual, but I'm sure it goes all the way near the top inside.
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Bruce, St. Paul Indiana, USA
"Originality thrives in seclusion free of outside influences beating upon us to cripple the creative mind."
  Nikola Tesla

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Re: Can Anyone Identify The Manufacturer?
« Reply #2 on: 2 hours ago »
In case anyone is interested, I've been able to identify the engine....

It's from Czechoslovakia.  A 1950's vintage ITES engine.  Very rare.  A couple videos on YouTube of a slide valve version, but none of the oscillating model like mine.  Since mine also lacks a sight glass I assume it is a earlier or cheaper model.  The ITES brand is somehow related to IGRA, another brand from Prague.

Besides these horizontal engines, I've discovered ITES made at least one vertical boiler and at least one overtop model.

Surprisingly, while ITES engines are rare they don't bring much at the auctions I've found, on the order of 75 British pounds (how do I key in a pound sign?).  So relieved of the guilt of bastardizing a historical piece, when I get around to it I'm going to do a restore/upgrade using commercially available parts (e.g. Wilesco, Jensen, or Weeden) and create or adapt a new chimney.

Attached is a picture of a new, slide valve ITES along with accessories.

Paul
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