Reeves portable from Ford Museum....

[Rev JJ]

How did this rarity of rarities leave the US to go to Italy? Seems to me it may have been one of the real links to Ritchie and Dyer, and now its GONE.

[David H]

And all done very quietly too, I might add-- almost on the sly even.
Just a few days ago its in HFM, then suddenly in Italy.
I'm sure the new owner is a nice guy, and will take care of it, but will any of us ever see it again?

[oldtractors]

I was confused as to when did it happen? Did it get sold back in 2000 or 2001 at that HFM auction?

[David H]

Jim, I was under the impression that it was a recent thing. I could very well be wrong though.

[Rev JJ]

I understand from some back channel communication that this engine as well as a very late Keck Gonnerman 22hp rear mount were sold thru the same michigan iron jockies to the same Italian collector. We all know that Italy was a hotbed for Reeves and KG sales during the Mussolini era when they were build, so I just guess they are replacing what they lost during the unfortunate period from 1939-1945. I, for one, refuse to celebrate the loss another piece of America's heritage, as some do. In fact, except for those directly involved and making a buck from such a transaction, I can see no reason that anyone with a real, legitimate interest in historic preservation can have anything but disdain for such goings on. The older I get the more isolationist I become, and I am tired of the US enriching the rest of the world at the expense of her soul.

As this is a touchy subject for some, suffice to say that I have no interest in passing laws to prevent such, but I am interested in changing hearts. I can't think of a single instance where selling a piece of american history to foreigners was the difference between somebody being able to eat or make thier rent, but I do know a few people are cutting a real fat hog. And a lot of our history is gone...when it is here it tells a story, when it is overseas it is nothing more than a very expensive converstion piece.

[Killer Feet]

Hello JJ,

I see you have posted inaccurate "back channel communication" information again. You may wish to check your sources before placing commentary on the web. I would hate to see this thread go the direction of the one you began on the other site concerning the 65 Case. That was embarrassing.

The skid was sold at public auction by the individual who purchased it from HFM, not on the sly. I was aware of its availability, but not in the market for such.

Beth

[Rev JJ]

When was the auction held, and who knew about it, as I certainly didn't see it in any of the national magazines that I subscribe to, and no one in the KGB was aware of it, and they are almost the Illuminati.

I don't know who the 65hp case thread was embarrassing to, certainly not me, as the facts are as stated 1) a welder was used not in the employ of a code shop, 2) the owner had been involved in steam operation, but never such an extensive restoration, and was the victem of bad/misunderstood advice with individuals with a no oversight agenda, 3) his boiler was ruined by a poorly executed hydro.

Me thinks, in the words of Shakespeare, that "thou doest protestest too much", just what is your dog in this fight? Do you want to preserve American History for future generations of Americans, or not. There are a lot of backroom deals going on to get rare items to the overseas buyers, and guys just need to be honest with themselves and the rest of the world...There is a difference between preserving and peddling history.

BTW I never said that the deal was done "on the sly", just that two engines were sold thru the same place and people. And, on that same note, I don't engage in personal attacks under fake names.

I also see you have nothing legitimate to say on the subject of a one of a kind leaving the US, but content yourself with an exercise in semantics. It is indeed sad that the great legacy of Blaker, Ford, Woodmansee, and others to preserve a unique American way of life is nothing more that a tradeable commodity to some of those entrusted with their heritage.

[JKWIDENER]

Well Said JJ, You coming to Wauseon? I sure would like to meet you.

[Rev JJ]

Well Said JJ, You coming to Wauseon? I sure would like to meet you.

I sure would like to, too, despite my aversion to being lynched from the canopy of a Port Huron engine , but the third weekend in June is when Jim Esbenshade has his Golden Harvest show in memory of his son, Jamie, and I am helping out on the threshing machines. I am always up to shaking hands and making friends around old machinery.

[Killer Feet]

Hello JJ,

I too, have an aversion to the canopy of my Port Huron being used for anything other than providing protection to the engine and its operator.

Please allow me to put your fears to rest, I have not and would not be involved in the sale of an engine to a less than desirable home whether it be in the US or overseas. I do not support the sale of our engines to overseas buyers. That being said, I believe it is in our best interest to track them and make sure they have a quality life. As a caretaker of our heritage, it should be a given. Posting negative comments will not advance our heritage nor our ability to monitor their condition.

Private deals are made regularly and there is not a simple way to monitor nor control them. The Reeves was sold at a public auction here in Michigan & that is where the prior owner purchased it. The Keck was a private sale.

As for having "nothing legitimate to say on the subject of a one of a kind leaving the US," I am sorry you feel that way. Aside of the fact that I am female, I believe Blaker (who knew my Father well), Ford, and Woodmansee (I knew him too) would be proud of what I have accomplished.

Beth

BTW, I see that my prior post had some editing done. Thank you.

[oldtractors]

I wasn't aware of this auction. It is strange that an engine sold at public auction without the entire steam community knowing about it.

[Killer Feet]

Jim,

I've seen many sold in this area with minimal publicity. It all depends on the auctioneer.

Beth

[Rev JJ]

Beth (no "y")

no one has cast any aspursions toward you, I hope you understand that, but at the nameless Michigan collector that sold them overseas. To my knowledge, neither you nor your kin have sold out to the foreign trade. If that is what you inferred, that was not my intent.

[GaarScott]

To all,

I don't have a dog in this fight....yet! Beth, you stated that your post was edited....did I read that correctly? If so, what was removed, if you don't mind me asking? Also, whom edited it? You know how I feel about censorship. Just looking for a clarification. Thanks.

As for another engine being sold over seas. Well, everyone that has read my posts over on Stak knows how I feel about it. I'm with Rev. Jim Jake on this one, I don't like seeing our items sold off at the highest bidder, which, as we pointed out, is over seas buyers. I don't fully know the details around this latest sale. DavidE seems like a likable fellow. But, I would like to have seen the portable stay in the states.

Beth, if you don't mind, can you tell us who the auctioneer was, since it was a public auction. I read/heard lately how a few rare items, like the Bryant steam tractor were sold over seas with no regard to possible US buyers. There are a few pretty deeped pocketed collectors that are pretty upset about that. I can't blame them. There are only about five of them known to exist and none of them should have left the U.S./Canada area's.

Lawrence

[Killer Feet]

Lawrence,

Yes, sentences were removed. You'll have to have a chat with the Moderators here. I cannot answer for them. No, they were not offensive.

By the way, the new owner of this Reeves is Davide Lorenzone (no capital E on his name). While we hate to see the engine depart the States, at least a nice young man (25) is interested enough in the hobby to make the effort. People keep whining about the lack of new blood, don't scare them off. Maybe he will settle in the US some day & the Reeves will return. Ever thought of that?

I don't have any literature on the auction, so I cannot help you there. All I can tell you was that the engine used to reside in Brooklyn, MI.

Beth