2 Comments Posted by jim.conte@dejazzd.com

wrote:
This particular machine is an Alternating Current generator. There is no commutator as a DC machine would have. Also, someone has stolen all the copper windings out of it. Looks like an illustration out of a " breakdown of civilization " story !
wrote:
It is definitely a steam engine of the Corliss type. The steam supply pipe is silver painted and comes off the top of the main steam header. If it were an air compressor, there would be an air inlet pipe, air filter, and reed-type valves on the top of the cylinder. The Corliss patent design is unmistakeable to some one who has worked with it. There are two steam admission valves and two steam exhaust valves. The covers of the valves are visible as round flanges in each of the four corners of the cylinder housing, the square-ish
box at the right side of the photo.