Jack Backman with His Glass Model Engine Invention

(Original Caption) Venice, California: Glass Engine. A Steam Engine Made Entirely Of Glass. This is a working steam engine and is made of glass. The intricate model, which runs like a full sized engine, was completed by John T. Backman, famous glass blower (shown with it), after two years of work. Modeled after the walking beam engine familiar in ferry boats and side-wheel river steamers, its pistons, bearings, cylinders and rods are glass and fed with steam from a small boiler it generates a surprising amount of power. The engine has 1700 parts made of glass of 15 different colors.