Weeden, National Playthings Era

National Playthings Era

Weeden Manufacturing was purchased by National Playthings in 1942, six basic engines were manufactured, four vertical models: a No. 41 alcohol heated model and an identical No. 42 electrical model, a No. 420 and No.500. A pair of horizontal boiler models were manufactured, the No. 43 and No. 44, similar engines, the No. 44 had a wider base so that the crankshft could be mounted in a separate bracket rather than through the firebox on the No. 43.

The numbering system on some of these engines is confusing because they are duplicate model numbers of earlier Weeden Manufacturing engines.

National Playthings halted production of the line of steam engines in 1952. The remaining machinery, parts, dies, molds and patents for the steam engines were purchased by “Security Signals Inc.” for around $800 and kept in storage, until finally destroyed years later.

As models sell on Ebay I am now listing the selling price, since many factors come into play with items up for auction this can only be taken as a very general value. I will try to give a basic description of the condition from the information on the listing. A range of prices will be selected, to save space duplicate prices, within a few dollars, for similar engines will not be listed.

Weeden No. 41

Weeden Nos. 41 and 42 are similar in appearance, the No. 42 is electrically heated. It stands 10 3/8" high with a 4 3/8" diameter base. It was introduced in the mid 1940's and produced into the early 1950's. A previous No. 41 engine was produced in the late 1800's to early 1900's.

Ebay Sales of No. 41's

October / 09 - Missing smokestack - 9 bids - 51.00 USD

Nov. / 09 - Excellent condition - 16 bids - 108.50 USD - Worldwide bids

Weeden No. 42

Thanks to Dave G.

Weeden Nos. 42 is similar in appearance to the No.41 but is electrically heated. It stands 10 3/8" high with a 4 3/8" diameter base. It was produced most likely in the mid to late 1940's. A previous No. 42 engine was produced in the late 1800's to early 1900's.

Weeden No. 43

Thanks Dean W.

Thanks Dean W.

An inside the boiler heater was used on this model rather than the under boiler ceramic blocks common to the earlier electrically heated models produced by Weeden.

Weeden No. 43 was manufactured from the mid 1940's to early 1950's, base was 6 1/4" X 9 1/4" and it stands 7" high. Boilers were either polished brass or nickel plated. A previous No. 43 engine, an upright model with a stairway, was produced in the late 1800's to early 1900's.

Ebay Sales of No. 43's

Oct. /10 - Needs restoration, missing smokestack - 5 bids - 17.50 USD - Worldwide bids

Oct. /10 - Complete, crank pin broken off - 8 bids - 26.00 USD - US bids only

Feb. /12 - Missing smokestack, broken flywheel - 8 bids - 42.95 USD - Worldwide bids

Mar. /12 - Good condition, complete - 11 bids - 66.00 USD - Worldwide bids

Jan. /11 - Cood Condition - 2 bids - 75.00 USD - US bids only

Dec. /09 - Cood Condition, with box, missing smokestack - 6 bids - 86.00 USD - Worldwide bids

Weeden No. 44

Thanks Steamrgene

Weeden No. 44 was manufactured from the mid 1940's to late 1940's, base was 8 7/8" X 10" and it stands 8" high.

Ebay Sales of No. 44's

Jan. /12 - Missing smokestack and governor - 2 bids - 66.00 USD

WEEDEN No.420

Thanks Tim Gaughan

Thanks Tim Gaughan

The Weeden No. 420 was an electrically heated model manufactured from the mid 1940's to the early 1950's. It stands 10 1/4" tall and has a 4 3/8" diameter base.

Ebay Sales of No. 420's

June / 10 - Complete but need repairs - 9 bids - 46.99 USD - Worldwide bids

Oct. / 10 - Good condition, missing smokestack - 8 bids - 78.77 USD - Worldwide bids

Jan. / 10 - Good condition - 10 bids - 119.39 USD - Worldwide bids

WEEDEN No.500