Description of the 1888 E. B. Preston, Patented Turn-table Extension Ladder Truck with Instuctions for Use
Materials of the 1/10th scale model are bronze, brass, steel and mahogany wood.
The size of the model complete with horse draw bar and hitches is;
Length 46” width 10 ¼” height 12 ¾”.
This historic and rare exhibition sales model is based on the design patented by E. B. Preston of Chicago Illinois on May 29th 1888., U S patent number 383828 A. The patent was filed on March 5, 1883. It is likely the necessity was envisioned by Preston for a 50 foot turn-table ladder by the plans for the first tall buildings being built in Chicago and New York.
The model is a tour de force in features and mechanical precision. Although not a patent model, it was built by a master model maker. It is fully operable with all the details finalized. The appearance of the miniature threaded bolts, riveted brass frame plates supporting bronze castings all framing varnished mahogany seats and ladders is simply magnificent. This machine does more than illustrate the patent claims. It is a full incorporation of the patent ideas into a highly visible and fascinating, one tenth scale working model of the Preston extension ladder turntable truck.
The apparatus was drawn by two horses and is provided with a driver’s seat and floorboards with a brake lever on the right and to the rear the steersman’s seat and rear steering wheel. The rear fifth wheel is secured by a lever activated lock on the steersman’s right hand.
Condition: Written by Daniel Cullity of East Sandwich MA
Report on the 1888, patent, E. B. Preston Turn-table Extension Ladder Truck
The Model is in fine condition and operable in all respects as it was during the period of exhibition.
As cleaned and repaired, the ladder truck exhibits faded original nickel plating on many bronze and brass components. The mahogany wood ladders and seats retain nearly all the original finish of oil and varnish and the original black paint edging trim carried around from the undersides of the seats and footboards.
The steel gears, crossheads and components of the lifting apparatus have a natural original burnished grey finish.
The scope of work performed is that the model was completely disassembled and cleaned of heavy tarnish. The individual parts were then straightened, aligned and reassembled from the frame up. Small parts such as bolts, rivets, and chain were made to replace missing parts. Wood repairs were made on the ladders and finished to match the original aged varnish. The ladders were rigged with flax cord to operate properly as originally intended.
No Major parts were replaced.
The model was fully disassembled, cleaned, repaired as described above by Daniel Cullity of Cullity & Son Conservation and restoration of East Sandwich, MA.
Description of Box: The box served as the original carrying case for the sales representative who transported the model around to show to prospective buyers. The box is made of wood and has its original red painted surface. The black stenciled letters state "RETURN TO E.B. PRESTON & CO. CHICAGO ILL.". The box has applied metal braces and stap hinges. The top hinges back and the front hinges forward making room to place the "Sales Sample" in the box. The top front hinges have rings to place pad locks. The box retains portions of the original leather staps.
Description of the 1888 E. B. Preston, Patented Turn-table Extension Ladder Truck with Instuctions for Use
Materials of the 1/10th scale model are bronze, brass, steel and mahogany wood.
The size of the model complete with horse draw bar and hitches is;
Length 46” width 10 ¼” height 12 ¾”.
This historic and rare exhibition sales model is based on the design patented by E. B. Preston of Chicago Illinois on May 29th 1888., U S patent number 383828 A. The patent was filed on March 5, 1883. It is likely the necessity was envisioned by Preston for a 50 foot turn-table ladder by the plans for the first tall buildings being built in Chicago and New York.
The model is a tour de force in features and mechanical precision. Although not a patent model, it was built by a master model maker. It is fully operable with all the details finalized. The appearance of the miniature threaded bolts, riveted brass frame plates supporting bronze castings all framing varnished mahogany seats and ladders is simply magnificent. This machine does more than illustrate the patent claims. It is a full incorporation of the patent ideas into a highly visible and fascinating, one tenth scale working model of the Preston extension ladder turntable truck.
The apparatus was drawn by two horses and is provided with a driver’s seat and floorboards with a brake lever on the right and to the rear the steersman’s seat and rear steering wheel. The rear fifth wheel is secured by a lever activated lock on the steersman’s right hand.
Condition: Written by Daniel Cullity of East Sandwich MA
Report on the 1888, patent, E. B. Preston Turn-table Extension Ladder Truck
The Model is in fine condition and operable in all respects as it was during the period of exhibition.
As cleaned and repaired, the ladder truck exhibits faded original nickel plating on many bronze and brass components. The mahogany wood ladders and seats retain nearly all the original finish of oil and varnish and the original black paint edging trim carried around from the undersides of the seats and footboards.
The steel gears, crossheads and components of the lifting apparatus have a natural original burnished grey finish.
The scope of work performed is that the model was completely disassembled and cleaned of heavy tarnish. The individual parts were then straightened, aligned and reassembled from the frame up. Small parts such as bolts, rivets, and chain were made to replace missing parts. Wood repairs were made on the ladders and finished to match the original aged varnish. The ladders were rigged with flax cord to operate properly as originally intended.
No Major parts were replaced.
The model was fully disassembled, cleaned, repaired as described above by Daniel Cullity of Cullity & Son Conservation and restoration of East Sandwich, MA.
Description of Box: The box served as the original carrying case for the sales representative who transported the model around to show to prospective buyers. The box is made of wood and has its original red painted surface. The black stenciled letters state "RETURN TO E.B. PRESTON & CO. CHICAGO ILL.". The box has applied metal braces and stap hinges. The top hinges back and the front hinges forward making room to place the "Sales Sample" in the box. The top front hinges have rings to place pad locks. The box retains portions of the original leather staps.
