Empire Steam Engines were produced by the Metal Ware Corporation based in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.
They, and their predecessors, produced model steam engines from the early 1900s until the late 1960s.
The only book on the company was written by Don Stilson (deceased) and copies regularly sell on eBay for $100+. Most records from the company were destroyed in a fire. So, the only remaining documentation is from Mr. Stilson’s Book.
Below is the text of a letter found by another collector that provides some additional information.
“From V. F. Trastek
Vice President
October 16, 1978
This refers to your letter of September 27 pertaining to two models of Empire toy steam engines.
The oldest catalog we have on file dates back to 1926. The B-35 turbine model also listed in this catalog and for your immediate reference a photocopy describing this engine is attached. The retail list in 1926 was $11.00 each. We have no records available which would indicate the quantity made on a yearly basis.
In the year 1930, we listed a B-32 engine which was battery operated. A photocopy showing this engine is also attached. In the year 1946, the Company manufactured the piston model under #32 and it carried a retail list of $12.50 each.
Approximately thirteen years ago, the Company discontinued the manufacturing of all toy items which included the popular steam engine line. While spare parts were available at that time, over the past years the supply has become exhausted and the Company did not reorder extra parts.
The supply of manuals is also depleted and our only records available is one issue of the old catalogs starting with 1926.
We hope this information will be of some value to you and regret that we cannot comply with your request for extra parts, etc.
Yours truly
hand signed
V. F. TrastekVice President
pk”
Below are a few screenshots of ones sold on eBay.
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