A steam version which is very similar in appearance predated the liquid petroleum powered H&W of 1894. The direct drive engine is adopted from steam technology just as the world's first internal combustion gas (illuminating gas, not liquid) engine (the Lenoir engine) and the first four cylinder motorcycle, the Holden of 1895 were developed. The rear wheel was turned directly by piston rods which operated from a cylinder body very similar to a locomotive steam engine.

The H&W was demonstrated in England where Bettman and Schulte of Triumph considered licensing it for production. It was shown in Japan and was the first motorcycle to appear there in 1896, creating the Japanese motorcycle industry as a result.

It may also have been the dubious "EJ Pennington" motorcycle which is born out by Pennington's drawing for his patent application which is nearly identical in features. Some say that the Pennington was the inspiration for Harley-Davidson. So it is very likely that this machine is the same, although Marks, Waltham, Thomas, and Indian, all predated HD into production.

The H&W liquid petroleum version was very hard to start. Most of the 2000 estimated to have been produced in Germany and France were returned for refunds and this lead to bankruptcy.

Motohistorian