Working Model of a Hot-Air Engine. Germany, 2012

Working Hot-Air Engine Model. Germany, 2012

This piece is not antique, though it is not a replica either. It is a fantastic model of a steam engine made of metal and wood, in perfect condition and fully functional. This intriguing device comes from Germany and stands out for its attractive, beautiful, and functional design. It is a model intended for educational use, designed to demonstrate how a hot-air engine works. Its simplicity and the beautiful materials used in its construction make it a highly interesting piece, perfect for decorating an elegant office or a stylish room. The piece is crafted from gilded brass, silver-plated metal, and black-enameled iron, and stands on a beautiful solid mahogany base.

The model consists of several parts. Set into a circular recess milled into the wood of the base is the alcohol burner, cylindrical in shape with the wick positioned at the top. Four slender columns also rise from the base, with cylindrical shafts made of black-lacquered iron and bases and capitals made of gilt brass. The columns support a black-enameled piece into which a silver-plated metal plunger fits. Beneath the plunger is an air chamber. When the lit wick heats the chamber, the hot air expands and moves the plunger. As it rises, the plunger turns the wheel located at the top of the device.

As mentioned, the base is made of solid mahogany. It has a beautiful wavy shape and consists of four overlapping boards, all with the same silhouette but in different sizes ranging from smallest (top) to largest (bottom). This arrangement creates an attractive stepped design. On the top plank, we can see a circular metal plaque with the following inscription: A. LANZKE - 2012 - HLM1, and the serial number No. 66. The inscription reveals that the model belonged to Andreas Lanzke, a professor at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences in Germany. The initials HLM refer to the institution: Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft.

Lovers of mechanics and engineering will appreciate the impeccable design of this model and its decorative potential.

Dimensions: Width: 15.5 cm. Height: 22.5 cm.