Stationary engines were extensively used to power machinery and equipment in all industries from the late 1800’s into the mid 1940’s. D.C. Stover was a prolific inventor and began manufacturing various products in 1862. In 1916 he formed the Stover Manufacturing and Engine Company in Illinois and production peaked in 1919. Before closing their doors in February 1942, Stover shipped 277,558 engines.
George Luhrs is known for producing the smallest engines in the world, and his miniature Stover is no exception. He machines every part from bar stock and utilizes no castings. It burns gasoline on spark ignition and, just as its full-size counterpart, requires manual lubrication before operation. Spark is produced by a small coil and battery located in the base. The engine is 5″-long, 3″-wide, and 4″-high.
The engine is accompanied by a box to transport it. The wood for the box and base match, and the lid of the box contains a few special tools to aid in running the motor.