I suggested to Curt Andree in light of my article
“Australian-Built Stovers” (Gas Engine Magazine, June
2005), that we should let readers know he can be contacted for
shipping information from the Stover shipping ledgers in regard to
dating these engines, and Curt has agreed to this.
All you have to do is send Curt the serial number and any other
information on the engine tag. If the engine is one of the 1920s
“K” or later “CT” series engines, they sometimes have a casting
date cast on the frame and cylinder on the opposite side of the
timing gears. This information has not been found on engines made
prior to 1922. Engines were also rebadged with such names as
Stewart for the Chicago Flexible Shaft Co. There are other
companies that also sold rebadged Stover engines. A list of these
engines could be compiled for future reference with readers’
help.
In the July 2005 issue of GEM there was an article
about a Stover 1-1/2 HP vertical engine, serial no. 857, that was
actually shipped to Woodin & Little of San Francisco, Calif.,
on Feb 8, 1903. It was stated that this engine is thought to be
pre-1900. In C.H. Wendel’s Power of the Past, Volume 3,
page 9, the caption for the 1-1/2 HP vertical states: “Stover’s new
engine line was introduced in 1902. The smallest style was the
1-1/2 HP vertical engine.” It would seem that only horizontal
sideshaft engines were made prior to 1902. I think this shows the
value of these ledgers, so Stover engines can be dated
accurately.
Curt is a longtime member of the Stephenson County Antique
Engine Club of Freeport, Ill. This service is being done to help
enhance the history of our great hobby. Any donations would be
greatly appreciated to help the museum recoup any expenses in
duplicating the history of Stover Mfg. Co. This work is done on a
voluntary basis, so please be patient for a reply. You can send an
SASE for mail inquires: Curt Andree, 6419 Basswood Road, McConnell,
IL 61050; cgangree@mchsi.com
Ron Wiley
ronwiley@iinet.net.au
