Newcomen Engine, circa 1750

Summary

This is the oldest known surviving steam engine in the world. Named for its inventor Thomas Newcomen, the engine converted chemical energy in the fuel into useful mechanical work. Its early history is not known, but it was used to pump water out of the Cannel mine in the Lancashire coalfields of England in about 1765. The engine was presented to Henry Ford in 1929.

This is the oldest known surviving steam engine in the world. Named for its inventor Thomas Newcomen, the engine converted chemical energy in the fuel into useful mechanical work. Its early history is not known, but it was used to pump water out of the Cannel mine in the Lancashire coalfields of England in about 1765. The engine was presented to Henry Ford in 1929.

Artifact

Steam engine (Engine)

Date Made

circa 1750

Place of Creation

United Kingdom, England 

Henry Ford Museum
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in Made in America

Object ID

29.1506.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Earl of Stamford Trustees.

Material

Stone (Worked rock)
Iron (Metal)
Wood (Plant material)

Dimensions

Horsepower: 11 hp  (8.20 kW)

Speed: 14 rpm  (0.23 Hz)

Height: 22.417 ft

Diameter: 28 in  (Bore)

Width: 30.417 ft

Length: 32.458 ft

Length: 72 in  (Stroke)

Dismantling the Newcomen Steam Engine "Fairbottom ...

Details

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