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Found at thift store today
Posted by
carnellm
on 23 Mar, 2026 17:55
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I was wandering through a local thrift store this afternoon when what I thought was a small table lighter caught my eye. Turns out it was a tiny antique steam engine.
Of course I couldn't pass it up.
From what I can find on this board and other web sources, this was made by the Buckman company sometimes in the later 1800s. Yes? The dates on the cylinder state Dec 12, 1871 and Mar 5, 1872. I assume those are patent dates.
Any other information would be much appreciated.
Oh, and hello! I am new here. From Charleston, SC.
Thanks
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#1 Reply
Posted by
RedRyder
on 23 Mar, 2026 18:32
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Nice little Buckman treasure you have acquired..!!
And.... Welcome Aboard!
From Torrington, Connecticut
Gil
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#2 Reply
Posted by
carnellm
on 23 Mar, 2026 18:40
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Thanks!
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#3 Reply
Posted by
Nick
on 23 Mar, 2026 20:04
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#4 Reply
Posted by
Nick
on 23 Mar, 2026 20:06
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I can get you pictures of the base tomorrow if you want to try making something. The boiler just “snaps” onto it, but I’m sure you could make something for it to even set on or sit in to not risk damaging it. Please resist the urge to polish as it has survived so long!
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#5 Reply
Posted by
carnellm
on 24 Mar, 2026 05:17
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Thanks for all the info! The funny thing is, I was just telling a friend last week that I wanted a small steam engine. Amazing the way life works.
If you can find anything on the base, I would appreciate it. I was thinking about taking something like a small soup can and cutting it to purpose. Or perhaps a small candle or aroma warmer stand.
And I would never dream of polishing it! The partina is a large percentage of its charm. The underside is completely blackened from flame and soot - it was obviously well lived.
I believe the thrift store didn’t know what it was. I myself on first glance thought it was a small table lighter. I think they must have thought the same thing, couldn’t figure out how it worked, and so just put a random pticebin it and moved on to pricier items. I was honestly overjoyed to find it.
Of course all this has really done is whet my appetite for more. And larger. And… the wife is just thrilled. 🤣🙄
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#6 Reply
Posted by
Stoker
on 24 Mar, 2026 08:18
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Wonderful score to be sure, but it's a slippery slope you have set foot upon, and after a few months, or years, your wife may find that she is a bit less thrilled about "it"!
If she does remain enthused .... then a truly rare keeper you have and must cherish!!
Oh and .... WELCOME to the Forum from the Eastern Sierra .... hope you find it to be a comfortable new home for your steam dreams!!!
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#7 Reply
Posted by
Steamloco
on 24 Mar, 2026 09:15
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That is a great find and hello and welcome from Illinois!
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#8 Reply
Posted by
carnellm
on 24 Mar, 2026 09:51
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Thanks, and thanks again!
I have always been a steam engine and rail enthusiast. Actually, anything with gears and movements. Have always dreamed of a larger scale live steam rail layout, and as retirement is fast approaching I may actually make that happen.
In the meantime though, I have to content myself with the occasional purchase of odd items that lean that way.
Glad I happened upon these forums, although, they could prove dangerous. Or I could hope
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#9 Reply
Posted by
komet163b
on 24 Mar, 2026 11:01
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Ahhhhh, retirement.
For me it has been MARX tin trains, steam engines, and gardening.
And, now that the MRS has retired, keeping her happy!
One $$$ question - I don't want to offend. Was it a very good bargain?
Sounds like you might have happened upon a great steal.
Wayne
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#10 Reply
Posted by
carnellm
on 24 Mar, 2026 12:43
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Marx are very cool trains. I have had a bunch in all sorts of different scales, everything from Z to G. I am now "trying" to restrict myself a bit. I have kept my LGB stuff as well as other garden size, and I have kept my Z. Most any scale in between I have sold off. My other main hobby, I have lots of minor ones, is old British cars. I had to explain to the wife that the cars have been in my blood since before her. She married me, so she married them too. She seems fairly resigned to that fact after 40 years of marriage.
As for this little engine, I "think" it was a good deal. I paid $8 for it. No tax since it was a non-profit thrift store. I have no idea what it is worth out in the real world. Do you? Doesn't really matter since I am not selling it. Much to the wife's chagrin. But was it a steal? I can't imagine I paid too much.
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#11 Reply
Posted by
komet163b
on 24 Mar, 2026 13:52
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I don't know, but......at around 150 years old and even if it is
missing the base it would go for a pretty penny. For sure.
Is it possible to try it on compressed air?
Great purchase.
Wayne
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#12 Reply
Posted by
carnellm
on 24 Mar, 2026 14:08
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I do plan on testing it. First with compressed air and then, if all goes well, with water and fire. But I don't want to damage it. Hopefully it works, I would love to see it run. I also want to very lightly lubricate some of the parts before doing any of this.
That was my thought about the value too, especially in the antique hungry area I live in. I honestly think the shop that it was non-functional table lighter. This was priced far below their normal price. points for such things.
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Welcome to the forum from MN!!