Hey guys I have 2 Crestworth Traction Engine Lamps

[Steven Russell]

One of them is the metal one and one is the plastic, I do love them and am making sure they are both working properly but I think I'm going to sell one. I have no idea how much they are worth and thought id get some advice and offer to you guys before I put it them on eBay. does anyone know how much they are worth and is there any interest here?

Thanks for your time - Steve 

[Alfred]

I have too many lamps already at the moment, sadly, but I'm curious since I can't find much information. Is there a little electrical motor hiding somewhere in there, or is it actually a small engine powered by heat? If the latter, it's really quite a neat lamp!

[Modulo '70]

Hi. These are pretty collectible. I think examples normally go between £50 and £90.

[Modulo '70]

Pretty sure these are motor driven but I could be mistaken. They normally start up straight away and dont need to heat up for them to function.

[andy ross]

The earlier model (metal engine) is slightly rarer/more collectable, I think

They can be quite difficult to set up, in that the engine needs to be positioned exactly right on the central staff for contact to be made, then suddenly you get all the wheels turning away - fascinating kit and a rare example of Crestworth moving out of lava/glitter/fibre.

I've never seen a box either, Jerome, though I have both versions, in fairly good nick. Dates, anyone? I think mid-70s

You can see the background paint is flaking on this one; which isn't unusual. I reckon this is due to heat from the bulb over time; so I've installed much lower-wattage bulbs, and recommend it. The light is less overpowering...

[Steven Russell]

Thanks for all the info guys, just out of interest as a collector, would you prefer the red paint at the back to be re-done professionally or would you prefer it with the original paint looking a bit worse for wear. I'll certainly but a lower wattage bulb in it and maybe even an LED depending how far I go with the refurbishment. I love refurbishing things and bringing them back to their original splendour (whilst upgrading electricals if I can). What do you reckon?

Thanks, Steve 

[Modulo '70]

Personally I would prefer as original as possible with Crestworth’s own paint job!

Steven Russell said:

Thanks for all the info guys, just out of interest as a collector, would you prefer the red paint at the back to be re-done professionally or would you prefer it with the original paint looking a bit worse for wear. I'll certainly but a lower wattage bulb in it and maybe even an LED depending how far I go with the refurbishment. I love refurbishing things and bringing them back to their original splendour (whilst upgrading electricals if I can). What do you reckon?

Thanks, Steve