Early Motorized Chain-Conveyor Rail Car Loader Salesman Sample

1910s - 1930s

Exceptionally detailed working-scale industrial model or salesman's sample demonstrating a chain-conveyor car-loading system. The mixed steel, aluminum, and wood construction incorporates an inclined segmented conveyor with exposed roller chain, drive gears, linkages, pulleys, a large spoked flywheel, an electric motor, and removable side panels. Material would travel up the conveyor and discharge into the accompanying wood-bodied cart, which rolls along a miniature rail track beside the machinery. Brass corner straps, metal wheels, chained lynch pins, and carefully fabricated mechanical components give the model the appearance of full-scale industrial equipment in miniature.

The model is housed in a fitted, green-felt-lined wood carrying case with black textured covering, reinforced metal corners, multiple latches, and a central lock. Its substantial construction and portable presentation suggest it was intended for demonstrating the loader's operation to prospective customers, investors, patent examiners, or trade-show audiences.

The carrying case is heavily scraped, with its exterior covering peeling from the ends. The original handle is missing and has been replaced by wrapped electrical cord. All case hardware exhibits discoloration and oxidation, and no key is present for the central lock. Bare wood is visible beneath the central latch, and a hole has worn through the covering on the bottom. Interior felt is stained and has a tear in one area. A wood retaining bracket is pulling away from the lid.

The mixed steel and aluminum model remains in good overall condition for its age, with scratches, handling wear, scattered spotting to the chrome-plated surfaces, and an area of green oxidation on the conveyor ramp, as photographed. Screws securing the crank are not original; one is too long and blocks the crank from turning, while also being too narrow to engage the threaded hole fully. The electrical cord is fraying near the plugs. One of the cart's lynch pins is no longer attached to its retaining chain. A nail head protrudes from the underside of the track and can catch on surfaces. Both removable side panels must be installed for the model to operate correctly. Mechanical and electrical components have not been restored. Sold as is.

29.5" L x 7.75" W x 11.75" H

MM - 22820 - 102626

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