Buckeye Style E Incubator – Early 20th Century Poultry Hatchery with Boiler, Trays & Maker’s Mark

This is an early 20th-century Buckeye Style E incubator, a historically significant piece of agricultural equipment manufactured by The Buckeye Incubator Company of Springfield, Ohio—a pioneering firm established in 1893 that helped revolutionize poultry farming.

Built primarily from solid wood—often California redwood for its insulating properties—this cabinet-style incubator features a slatted top, turned 2" x 2" legs, and a drop-down front access door fitted with a glass viewing pane and porcelain knob. Prominently maker-marked on the front panel, it still retains its galvanized kerosene-fired boiler with a vintage label warning: “Don’t Touch This Boiler When Using the Incubator.”

How It Worked

Designed to hatch up to 200 eggs, the Style E provided a controlled and consistent environment that mimicked the natural conditions of a brooding hen. Once lit, a kerosene burner would heat water in the side-mounted boiler, which in turn circulated heat via convection through internal pipes. This radiant system ensured that the interior temperature remained stable—usually between 102–103°F.

The incubator featured an ingenious mechanical thermostat: a metal cross inside the chamber expanded with heat and triggered a weighted damper ("hat") above the burner’s exhaust. This mechanical feedback system passively regulated internal heat without electricity, lifting to vent excess warmth or lowering to retain heat as needed.

Humidity was managed using a water pan lined with burlap, while the operator turned eggs manually 1–2 times per day. Candling was done mid-cycle to check development. After approximately 21 days, chicks would hatch, often with success rates rivaling broody hens.

Historical Importance

Incubators like this enabled farm families to scale poultry operations, hatching dozens or even hundreds of chicks year-round, independent of season or hen behavior. At a time when “egg money” provided essential supplemental income, this technology transformed a domestic chore into a commercial opportunity. The Buckeye Company was widely regarded as one of the leaders in this innovation boom, boasting the slogan “The World’s Best Incubator” by the 1910s.

Condition

Good overall antique condition. The left side is missing an 8.5" section of trim. The turned legs—later replacements—are functional but would benefit from reinforcement. Wear is consistent with age and use. Original trays (3 with chicken wire) and two additional frames are included. Offered as shown.

Dimensions

Overall: 25 1/4" H × 31 15/16" W × 31 15/16" D