A movable steam engine, usually mounted on wheels, the locomobile was developed in the second half of the 19th century, at a time when steam power was gaining ground. This particular variety of steam engine took the name locomobile in reference to its ability to move from one place to another. While the first locomobiles were mounted on horse-drawn carriages, wheels were added over time to make them self-propelled.


Beautiful self-propelled steam locomotive in sheet metal, steel, brass and copper, the fixed cylinder in mahogany. Late 19th - early 20th century 98 x 73 x 30 cm
1500 - 2000 €

The first self-propelled locomobile was invented in 1859 by Thomas Aveling. Called "steam road cars" to distinguish them from rail locomotives, they were quickly adapted to agricultural and construction work. Their heavy weight made them excellent steam rollers. In partnership with Richard Thomas Porter, Thomas Aveling founded Aveling & Porter, British manufacturers of agricultural and steam engines in 1862. International suppliers of locomotives and traction engines, at the forefront of agricultural engineering, the Prancing Horse company became the world's largest manufacturer of locomotives by the early 1900s.

AVELING & PORTER in ROCHESTER
Self-propelled steam-roller locomobile in painted sheet metal, steel, brass and copper, tricycle system, the front wheel guided by a chain. 
Late 19th - early 20th century 47.5 x 92 x 33 cm
2000 - 3000 €

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For any further inormation, please contact :
Sophie Perrine
Auctioneer
Director of the Private Collections Department :
+33 (0)1 42 92 06 44
perrine@aguttes.com