— Empire —

The Empire Metal Ware Corporation was not a conventional toy manufacturer.

This manufacturer is from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, USA

The factory was established in 1920 by German immigrant Joseph Koenig and William H Ellis II, the company was specialized in metal and electrical articles for the American family.

Metal toys were only part of the wide range of articles of this company.

Nevertheless, this company has left some amazing steam engines that are so typical for American design.

Straight shapes, bright red, robust materials and a lots of chrome are typical of Empire.

All of their live steam engines have an electric heater as a heat source.

They therefore need a typical US power supply of 110V AC-

The production of toys was permanently shut down in 1960, but the manufacturer still produces household appliances to this date