The Regan
Manufacturer: Regan Vapor Engine Co., San
Francisco
Year: circa 1895
Horsepower: 3
Serial number: 934
Bore: 4-3/4-inch
Stroke: 8-1/2-inch
“While N.A. Otto was putting the finishing
touches on his revolutionary 4-cycle engine, D.S. Regan was at work
to perfect it.” (American Gasoline Engines Since 1872, by
C.H. Wendel)
Regan worked to build a reliable low-tension ignition system,
which was patented in his name in mid-1885. Another patent was
issued to Regan and J.H. Eichler in late 1885 and they were in
business. The patents were then assigned to a W.T. Garrett and
later transferred back. But in the meantime, Garrett had sold an
interest to a principal of Pacific Gas Engine, also of San
Francisco. The lawsuits began, and in 1892 the court of appeals
ruled in Regan’s favor. During the interim however, Pacific
continued to flourish, and in reality, came out ahead in the end.
Regan was never able to accumulate the wealth or prestige that was
perhaps his due.
This engine was sold by California Vapor Engine Co. It is on
loan from the collection of Anton Affentranger Jr., Bakersfield,
Calif. He purchased the engine at auction in Winnett, Petroleum
County (population 492), Mont.
An ad for California Vapor Engine Co. states, “No steam, no
coal, no fire, no boiler, no engineer, started instantly. New and
improved engine made under our latest patents. Starting device for
larger sizes, no more turning at flywheel. 3-4 to 60 HP. Marine and
stationary.”
Contact the Coolspring Power Museum at: P.O. Box 19,
Coolspring, PA 15730; (814) 849-6883;
coolspring@penn.com
www.coolspringpowermuseum.com
