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Antique Engine Database
J. V. Rice Engine Co.
A J.V. Rice catalog of about 1905 notes that their factory was located at Bordentown, New Jersey, some six miles below Treton, on the banks of the Delaware River. The plant site had been formerly occupied by Joseph Napoleon Bonaparte, brother of the first Napoleon, Emperor of France, and exiled King of Spain. Joseph Napoleon had fled to America in 1816, bringing with him all the crown jewels, and making this his place of residence for the next sixteen years. All Rice engines were equipped for salt water, and all used the best quality construction. In speaking of their engines, Rice noted that a great many had been winners in various with an electroplated nickel finish at extra prices ranging form $10 to $20 per cylinder. Included under the nickel planting package were: flywheel rim, cylinder head, main fittings, along with all nuts and bolts.
history
John V. Rice, Jr. began his illustrations career in the engine business during the late 1880s. His earliest patent, No. 399,081 of March, 1889 protected a marine-type steam engine. The record also indicates hsi residence being at Chester, Pennsylvania. Several patents followed his inital designs, but steam remained the subject of his experiments. Fiinally in 1897, Rice filed for an electric igniter patent from his residence at Edgewater Park, New Jersey. Patent No. 676,099 covering this design was issued on June 11, 1901. Presumably, Rice began building his own marine engines sometime after 1897. His single cylinder, two cycle desings had assumed the appearance of this illustration about 1905.
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