Coolspring Spotlight: Circa-1914 35hp Superior

Superior gas engines like this one at the Coolspring Power Museum shared components with oil field engines but had dual-ignition systems.

By The Gas Engine Magazine Staff
Published on July 15, 2020
article image
courtesy Coolspring Power Museum

Circa-1914 35hp Superior

Manufacturer: The Superior Gas Engine Co., Springfield, OH
Year: Circa 1914
Serial No.: 13
Horsepower: 35
Bore: 12 in
Stroke: 18 in
Owner: John P. Wilcox

“Commercial” style superior engines like this 35hp model shared some components with the simpler “oil field” style, but were distinguished by dual-ignition systems, power-actuated intake valves and an overall higher quality finish.

Organized by P.J. Shouvlin in 1893, Superior built commercial and oil field gas and diesel engines in sizes from 10hp to 600hp. This company has a long history, taking over the Otto Gas Engine Works in 1923, being taken over by the National Supply Co., in 1928, and presently existing as a division of White Consolidated Industries.

Features

“Commercial” style Superior  engines shared some components with the simpler “oil field” style, but were distinguished by dual-ignition systems, power-actuated intake valves and an overall higher quality finish.

History

This particular natural gas engine drove a flour mill at the Reedy Milling Co., in Reedy, West Virginia. It was removed from the mill in 1967 and brought to Coolspring in 1976.

Learn about this engine and 38 others in Coolspring: Discovering America’s Finest Antique Engine Museum, Vol. 2. Order your copy here.

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