Model of Henry Maudslay's table engine, 1807

Model of Maudslay's 1807 table engine (scale 1:24) with associated components, made by Maudslay, Sons and Field Limited, Lambeth, London, 1807

Maudslay developed his table engine as a compact, self-contained unit that required only simple foundations. This 1:24 scale model was used, like his other models, in the design process to develop the full-size machine. The description 'table engine’ refers to the framing that supports the cylinder.

The traditional attribution of this model is to Henry Maudslay the individual; he was certainly a highly skilled mechanician and his use of models is well documented. However, it should be borne in mind that the attribution might equally be to Maudslay's the company, given the boss's renown for imbuing best practice technique in others, and the size of the workforce.

The model is one of the smaller items acquired from the company after they closed down in 1900.