High Country Adventure for Antique Gas Engines

“A lot of collectors don’t have the opportunity to experience the thrill of finding an engine in its original setting,” he says. “I’ve been lucky. I know it’s only going to happen a few times. Ninety-nine percent of the quality engines have been found already. I’m just a little guy trying to do big things, but I’m at the top of my game.” FC 

For more information: email Jordan Meeker at slocankid@columbiawireless.ca.

Editor of Farm Collector, Leslie McManus has been known to kick around the mountains herself, but carries nothing heavier than a sack lunch and a camera. Email her at LMcManus@ogdenpubs.com.

Read more about Jordan Meeker and how his 1897 Weber Gas Engine Beats the Odds. Also watch Jordan Meeker's Antique Rock Drills in action.

Workhorse of the mine

Antique gas engines found at mining camps were used for varied purposes:

• to power jaw crushers used in crushing ore
• to power blowers used to bring fresh air to the mine face after planned explosions
• to pump water
• as compressors for rock drills
• as hoisting engines

Backcountry Bonanza

Early, rare engines salvaged from mining camps 

Jordan Meeker is not averse to acquiring engines in a conventional manner. “I did buy a Stewart Little Major engine (manufactured by Chicago Flexible Shaft Co.) once,” he says. “But I prefer to find engines.” His collection of engines salvaged from old mining camps runs the gamut from common to rare:

• 1897 Weber 5 hp gas engine
• 1899 Fairbanks-Morse 12 hp sectionalized hoisting engine
• 1899 Fairbanks-Morse 22 hp compressor engine
• 1899 Hercules 6 hp engine (Hercules Gas Engine Works, San Francisco)
• 1912 Fairbanks-Morse 60 hp Type N gas engine
• 1919 Fairbanks-Morse Type Z gas engine
• 1939 Fairbanks-Morse 150 hp diesel engine