1923 Wallis & Steevens Advance 6 Tonne Steam Roller,
1923 Wallis & Steevens Advance 6 Tonne Steam Roller for sale, Serial Number 7773 (The Prototype), Reg No XO 4975, Originally Supplied to Henry Woodham & Sons of Catford London who worked with Wallis & Steevens to Develop the Advance Roller, Later went to Bituminous Surfacing at Manchester Where it Finished its Working Life Laying the Ramp to Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station, Later Purchased by the late Rufus Carr of Remington Fitted with New Boiler Barrel & Firebox by H A McEwen Ltd in 1995, Then moved to B Price of Church Stretton in 1996. This 1923 Wallis & Steevens Advance 6 Tonne Steam Roller is for sale and Sold in Test and Ready to Rally Although Would Benefit From Some Cosmetic Work, Hydraulic Test due November 2027
Wallis & Steevens History
Wallis & Steevens was a British engineering company based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, best known for manufacturing steam engines, particularly traction engines, steam rollers, and other road-building machinery during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Key Facts About Wallis & Steevens Steam Engines:
1. Company Origins:
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Founded in 1856 as a partnership between Arthur Wallis and Charles Haslam Steevens.
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Initially produced agricultural machinery.
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Began building steam-powered road vehicles around the 1860s-70s.
2. Notable Steam Engines:
Wallis & Steevens produced a wide range of engines, including:
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Traction engines: Used for ploughing, threshing, and haulage.
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Steam rollers: Especially renowned for their lightweight and compact designs, popular with municipal authorities for road work.
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Showman’s engines: Ornate traction engines used to power fairground rides and lighting.
3. The “Advance” Engine Series:
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Their most iconic design line was the “Advance” steam roller, introduced in 1906.
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Known for its compact size, forward-set chimney, and attractive proportions.
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Easily distinguishable by the chimney positioned ahead of the front roll – a design unique to Wallis & Steevens.
4. Design Innovations:
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Wallis & Steevens was recognized for elegant, functional engineering.
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Used lightweight materials and thoughtful balance in their designs, allowing for smoother operation and easier transport.
5. Legacy and Collectability:
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Production of steam engines continued into the 1930s, after which the company transitioned to internal combustion and diesel-powered machines.
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The company finally ceased operation in 1981.
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Today, Wallis & Steevens steam engines are highly collectible, and many are preserved in working condition at steam rallies and museums.
Historical Context
Introduced in the 1920s, the “Advance” steam roller was part of Wallis & Steevens’ shift towards producing more compact and efficient road rollers. This move was in response to the growing demand for machinery that could navigate narrower streets and smaller construction sites. The company, established in Basingstoke, Hampshire, had a long history of manufacturing steam engines, dating back to the late 19th century. However, by the 1930s, the firm began transitioning to internal combustion models, and steam engine production ceased in the 1930s. Wallis & Steevens continued operations until 1981, when it was acquired by BSP International Foundations Ltd and subsequently ceased trading.
Preservation and Collectibility
Many Wallis & Steevens 6-ton “Advance” steam rollers have been preserved by enthusiasts and collectors. These machines are often showcased at steam rallies and vintage machinery events, where they serve as a testament to the ingenuity of early 20th-century engineering.
