The Baker and Hamilton Co. was located in San Francisco, CA and is known to have built a portable steam engine in 1883. This engine, with a Laufenburg boiler, sold new for $2,100. The Laufenburg boiler burned straw, wood, or coal.
Baker and Hamilton also built the Benicia steam portable engine. This engine burned straw, coal, wood, or oil. It was mounted on patent iron wheels, having 6-inch tires, had a convenient and substantial brake, and two seats for the drivers and fireman.
The firm merged with Pacific Hardware & Steel Co. in 1918 to become Baker, Hamilton & Pacific Co. Using the brand name Baker, the company sold bench vises c. 1950-1958 and an electric drill in 1958.
Information Sources:
- Norbeck, Jack, Encyclopedia of American Steam Traction Engines, Crestline Publishing Inc, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Pgs. 28 & 31.
- The Fresno Bee; The Republican, Nov. 30, 1950, Pg. 64.
- Modoc County Record and Alturas Plaindealer, Nov. 27, 1958, Pg. 2.
\