Big Giant vertical engine, engines were given as prizes or premiums for young people to sell subscriptions to the "Youths Companion" magazine from circa 1898 to 1929. This engine had one of the longest production runs, This is the only Weeden steam engine to be heated by using this fuel. "Big Giant" is embossed into the side of the boiler. The engine has a waterglass, weighted safety valve and a whistle.



Picture from: morphyauctions

Company History

The Youth's Companion, a publication for children approached William Nye Weeden and asked him to design an inexpensive, quality toy that the magazine could use as a premium in an effort to increase subscriptions. Weeden designed an upright steam engine, the design, quality and function of the engine so impressed the publication that they gave Weeden an initial order for ten thousand units at one dollar apiece. This $10,000.00 would be the impetus for the formation of The Weeden Manufacturing Company in 1883.

Weedens Upright Steam Engine No.1, first appeared in the October 1884 issue of Youths Companion. This was a stationary steam engine with an upright boiler, offered for $1.00. In the 1870s and early 80s, the magazine had offered steam engines made by the Buckman Company of New York for these same purposes.

He often made his own tooling for the items he manufactured - presses, dies, molds and other production items. Realizing the value and the uniqueness of these specialty tools, patterns and dies he had them locked away in a fire-proof safe at the close of business each day.

The Weeden Manufacturing Company was in business for a long time and made a large variety of stationary toy steam engines and trains over the years. Mr. Weeden actually only ran the company for 8 years until his death in 1891 when William Richie, a former salesman took over as chief executive. When he passed away in 1939 his son William B. Richie followed him at the helm until 1942 when the company was sold to National Playthings which 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.