The model beer engine was made by William Stokoe (Grandfather
of donor's husband,) a Water Engineer working around Worcester
circa 1900, and is thought to be an apprentice piece made by
Mr. Stokoe during his training. The beer engine is believed
to be a miniature copy of the type of pumps used to raise beer
from the barrel to the glass in a traditional public house.
The beer engine has a wooden
case decorated with floral marquetry. Inside the lower case are
four working brass valves connected by rods to four working levers
on the curved upper section of the case. The valves are also connected
to four taps on the front of the model; below the taps is a lead
lined sink with a small drainage hole. Access to the lower case
and the drain is via a small door on the case front.
The model
was seen by the late Arthur Negus during the 1981 BBC Antiques
Roadshow held in Malvern, and we believe it may be unique.