I'm still trying to figure out the difference between a Jno. Brown carbide generator and a Corcoran. I've heard they are practically the same, but can anyone with a genuine Brown generator please post a picture for me? Thanks!

The Corcoran is different.

Here is a Corcoran:



Here is a Brown:

Thanks, Royce. But aren't the hooked top ones Victor tanks?

The hooked ones are Victors.

This would make a good little article for the magazine: Differences in Carbide Generators, 1909-14.

When you gonna write it, Larry?

I thought so. I also understand that the Corcorans and Browns are almost exactly alike.

My mistake, the Victor tank is on the '14 to match the Victor headlamps.

This one is I think a Brown:




As I recall the Corcoran generator has only the top basket, it does not have the handy lower inner basket like the one shown above.

Here is the inside of the Corcoran for comparison:

Here are photos of a NOS Corcoran carbide generator. It is one of 10 that were found when an old building, that was once a Fold dealership, was being torn down in Northwood Iowa about 25 years ago. I was able to get two of them and one still had the instructions in the tank. As Royce said, a Corcoran generator only uses one basket. You can see in one of the photos below, that the bottom of the basket is hinged so it can be opened for cleaning.

Easiest way is the Corcoran running board mount has a higher shoulder than the Brown on the bottom tank or so I was told.

Interesting discussion! Now, what about E&J? Royce has contradicted himself twice, so I kinda guess we are back where we started?

Going back to the original question;
the only noticeable exterior difference is the Corcoran has a vertical side seam in the bottom tank and the John Brown has a circumferential seam in the bottom tank.

This will send this back to the top. Is there a difference in a John Brown and a E&J?

Ken in Texas

I would like to see anything on a black/brass generator which identifies it as an E & J.