The Combusto
by Richovery
This photograph, found on a well known auction website measures 7 x 5″. Franey Shore is shown on the left hand shop window, I thought this might be the proprietor’s name initially. I haven’t been able to find a place name match but there is a Franey Trailhead in Nova Scotia (although it’s unlikely the shop was in a remote walking location!). Once I had scanned in the photograph I spotted the photographer in the window refection (bottom right). If you are wondering what a clinker is, it’s a waste product from coal! I have deciphered the feint pencil on the reverse, it reads…’The first home of the Combusto, Tomkinsville, Staten Island (a name which I can’t decipher) inventor.’ Then printed it says Franey Shore & Co, which is the name on the shop window.
Postscript…
I contacted Local History and Genealogy at The New York Public Library (NYPL) after posting this photograph. They couldn’t find any record of the Combusto in Staten Island but they found several adverts from 1914 newspapers featuring the company with a New York address. They also provided a link to old New York photos by address which are fascinating and extremely useful for research.
lost and found 
Great photograph Richard.Two very serious looking gentlemen!
Interesting to see the reflection of the photographer in the shop window.
Thanks Mum. They do look very serious. I didn’t see the photographer when I bid on the photo so the reflection was a nice bonus!
That’s a nice find. My first thought was is this America? Just something about the light and atmosphere. I’d guess they have masked off the edge of the next shop on the left too. From what the text says it seems they are selling some kind of device to retro-fit to your older stove to improve efficiency, but not sure how it might have worked. I used to have to rake out the clinkers from our old coke fire and they were then used in the garden on the paths… and still do on out current multi fuel burner, although that is so efficient we’re just left with ash!
You’re right Simon, I think it’s New York, I deciphered the feint pencil on the back and I think it says ‘the first home of the Combusto, Tompkinsville, Staten Island’
Then a name I can’t decipher and the word inventor.
Fascinating. There are quite a few photos of old Tompkinsville on the web, you might even be able to match up the shop front!
Thanks Simon, I will take a look….