After a detailed search of the internet, I believe this to be a one-of-a-kind scale model of the Van Rennes hot air engine which was designed by Van Rennes of Utrecht, Holland in the late 1870′s. My internet search indicates this model was built by a Mr. Brian Marshall of Chichester, England. It is very well made, obviously by a very skilled machinist. Everything was made from bar stock – this was NOT a kit model. I had a small Coleman propane camp stove fuel can and tried to run the engine. Got it warmed up and almost running (see photo 11, flywheel was spinning and spokes are blurred in photo) but ran out of fuel. The last photo shows the burner which heats the engine. I do think this would be a very interesting running model but it will take someone more familiar with hot air engines than me. Included is a valve that fits a Coleman fuel can. This engine appears to be complete and all parts move/rotate very smoothly. The wood base measures 13″ long, 7 1/2″ wide and 4 tall. The overall height of this engine as shown is 13. The item “Large Vintage/Antique VAN RENNES MKII Hot Air Stirling Engine -Like a Hit Miss” is in sale since Saturday, September 12, 2020. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Kitchen & Home\Electric Fans”. The seller is “elcajonian” and is located in El Cajon, California. This item can be shipped to United States.
