Question & Answer Board

 Q1628 B&O Keys and Locks  Hello, I want to know if any key from a certain railroad can operate their railroads locks? I have a B&O Adlake padlock and no key for it. Will any B&O key operate the lock?  Posted Friday, July 3, 2009 by AS   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Sorry, no. B&O had at least three or four types of 'switch locks' which used the hollow 'barrel' keys, each with a different bit -- altho there was one 'switch' key pattern that was probably used almost system-wide. This was very intentional, so that not everyone could open every lock. See Q 1529 regarding B&O 'Local Station' locks. In addition, smaller railroads acquired by merger often kept their separate lock and key patterns altho they ended up later being purchased and marked for the larger, absorbing railroad. This made regional differences common. On signal cases, which often used flat brass padlocks with flat 'regular house' type flat keys, there may have been many separate keys. I am aware of one railroad (C&O) which had a separate padlock and key configuration for every different short signal section; this was the only way to prevent unauthorized 'visits' and to hold each maintainer responsible for the conditions of equipment. These were master-keyed so that supervisors could open any on their territory for inspections and emergencies.  Posted Friday, July 3, 2009 by RJMc

 Q1627 Baggage Cart Colors  One of My Boy Scouts desires to restore a baggage cart for the Derry RR Historical Park. The cart has metal spoke wheels, a wooden deck, with iron rim. We are concerned with the colors that it should be painted. Currently the under carriage and wheels are painted red. Is this the proper color or should it be yellow? I am not sure if this would have been a Railwauy Express or PRR that would have been used at Derry Station. It also seems to be missing, end rails to keep the baggage from falling off. Help. If you need more info just ask.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, July 3, 2009 by FG   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. See prior Q 555, 545, 506 about restoring baggage carts. Also, you mention Derry, in what state?  Posted Friday, July 3, 2009 by RJMc

 Q1626 Duplicate Builder Plates  My boss recently purchased a steam locomotive, US Army 611, purchased from TVRM, Baldwin builder number 69856, where can we get duplicate builder plates made? or does some one know if the originals exists somewhere? Thanks for any help.  Posted Sunday, June 28, 2009 by Denny   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I did a search around the Railway preservation news website Apparently the Strasburg railroad used a foundry in Pennsylvania called Wayne James Products to make duplicate number and builders plates Do a search on the interchange column under -reproduction builders plates - thats how I found it Hope this helps Posted Monday, June 29, 2009 by roberthedgecock

 Q1625 Metal Shield on Lantern  I just purchased a Dietz Vesta Lantern that has the rail road identification of M. Ry. Co. I have identified this lantern as being from the Monongahela Rail Road in south western PA. However this lantern is different in that it has a metal shield attached to the back. The globe is missing. The shield does not appear to be a reflector. It is just plain sheet metal on the back half of the lantern. Did Dietz make a lantern with this type of shield or was it added at some later date?  Posted Sunday, June 28, 2009 by BF   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hello. See prior Q 1604. Is that what you are talking about? That type of car inspector's lantern was widely used. If that is not similar, a picture is almost essential to have any idea of what you might have.  Posted Monday, June 29, 2009 by RJMc

 Q1624 MCRR Lantern  I have been trying to get a straight answer as to how to tell if a lantern marked MCRR is from the Maine Central or Michigan Central. I’ve been told to take into account the lantern make and model, and what state it is located in. We all know items move all around the country, so I don’t always go by item location. And as far as make & model, I know Maine Central used Vestas with MAINE CENTRAL spelled out at one point, and also MECRR, but what about that nasty MCRR marking?! As for other, earlier styles, I’m clueless. HELP!  Posted Sunday, June 28, 2009 by JD   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. You've asked one of the classic railroad ID questions. Is "MCRR" Michigan Central, Maine Central, or even Monongahela Connecting RR (I have a Dressel marked with a tag "MCRR", which I'm relatively sure is MonCon. You hit on the major factors; location, lantern style, time frame,where the lantern was found, etc. It's essentially an investigation, and you have to develop the evidence and come to conclusions, a kind of railroad "CSI". "B&A" is another classic dilemma. Is it Boston & Albany or Bangor & Aroostook? Best strategy is learn as much as you can about lantern styles and dates of production, railroad histories and lantern purchasing patterns, (as big as the PRR was, have you ever seen a PRR Vesta?), compare the evidence and make the most logical guess. Sometimes there simply isn't a definitive answer. Nearly all collectirs have a couple of mysteries sitting on the shelf. Enjoy.  Posted Wednesday, July 1, 2009 by TR

 Q1623 Step Box COlor  What is proper color of lower portion of a NYC System step box? It has a perforated aluminum top. Thank You.  Posted Sunday, June 28, 2009 by DC   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The NYCS step boxes which I have, and all the ones I recall seeing, are plain black on the bottom. However this is the kind of detail that RR's changed all the time. So other colors are quite possible, for example the gray that NYC used for their smooth side car colors would not surprise me. Posted Tuesday, June 30, 2009 by RJMc

A. I am a NYC collector and have 2 step boxes (1 Morton, 1 unknown maker) in my collection. I too have seen photos of NYC step boxes that appear to be black. Both of my stools were acquired in their original condition. The Morton has the aluminum top with Pullman green paint on the base (this was the standard paint color as delivered by Morton according to a 1950's Morton catalog), and the other has a wood top w/ non-skid rubber tread, and painted in a color very similar to NYC's dark gray color. At one time I also had another NYC Morton that was painted in a color very similar to NYC's light gray. Of the 3, my favorite is the Pullman green - it's traditional railroad, and is a strong contrast to the cleaned/buffed aluminum top.  Posted Wednesday, July 1, 2009 by wdpdepot

 Q1622 Keystone on Bell  We own a bell and have gotten a variety of suggestions as to what RR it came from but the serial number on the cradle has a PRR keystone on it. Can you offer any help? It weighs 157#, and the dimensions are: diameter of bell at widest is 14 and 5/8 inches, the bell is approx. 12 inches high, and overall dimensions are about 18 inches high and 24 inches wide. Thanks   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, June 27, 2009 by HC   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q1621 RR Bucket?  I purchased this bucket and was told it was a railroad water bucket used to give passengers water. I haven't found any info on this and am wondering if it is actually something else. Could anyone help me identify this? Thanks   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, June 27, 2009 by Sentinel   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Water coolers were used on railroad passenger equipment before the Civil War. A B&O 50 seat passenger car made in 1856 shows a water cooler on the builders drawing. Source, "The American Railroad Passenger Car", by John H White, page 70. There is a Howard,Spencer,Bartlett&Co catalog page from 1929 listed on eBay(#4000 3440 6866)right now that shows a "railroad water keg" and also other kinds of wooden buckets which are made from oak. The keg has a hinged lid which makes sense, because the loose lid like the one on your bucket would be falling all over when taken off and set down on a moving train or other equipment. I am not even sure of the use of the water keg, but maybe on maintenance of way equipment for the crews to use similar to a modern day Igloo water cooler. What kind of wood is this made from? It looks pretty light colored in the photo, maybe pine? And pine is not a good wood to expose drinking water to, it might leach out pine sap. Is there any kind of manufacturer's name or marking on it? And also, several railroad supply companies like Handlan, Adlake, and Dressel made metal buckets that were intended for railroad use as a portable water source.  Posted Saturday, June 27, 2009 by KM

 Q1620 C&O Baggage Tag  Would you please tell us what this tag would have been used for and its approximate age? Thanks very much.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, June 24, 2009 by Bill   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hello. This Railroadiana website has a whole page devoted to baggage tags (see link). It shows and discusses tags very similar to this one.  Link 1  Posted Thursday, June 25, 2009 by RJMc

A. Another great site is TAGTOWN. Plenty of information about Railroad baggage tags, checks, and receipts.  Link 1  Posted Thursday, June 25, 2009 by SouthernNut

 Q1619 Material inside Lantern Fonts  Many thanks for your great website. You relighted my interest in railroad lanterns thanks to your kindness and helpfulness. What is the material inside the fount of railroad lanterns? What is it properly called? Is the material asbestos? I sure hope not and hope it is not carcinogenic. Thank you and best wishes.  Posted Monday, June 22, 2009 by RS   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Enter question numbers 1485, 1467, 1350, and 363 in the "Search by Question Number" box for good previous answers to your questions. This material was commonly 'cotton batting'-- a cheap byproduct of garment production. It was intended to be very absorbent -- which asbestos is definitely not -- and I have never seen any reference to asbestos being used for this purpose. These days even diesel fuel (very similar to kerosene) is 'hazmat' but so far I have never heard (yet) that cotton is.  Posted Tuesday, June 23, 2009 by RJMc

 Q1618 British Railways-Midland [BR (M)] Lamp  I recently purchased this large copper-plated steel British Railways-Midland [BR (M)] lamp. From your website, and from googling around, it seems like it might be a 'level crossing' lamp, however those appear to have red lenses. This lamp has a clear, solid hemishperical lense, and the back side has a 1.5 inch clear, round glass window in a small sliding panel. The top has a cast iron weight screwed to it to keep it closed. There are two 0.5 inch holes in the bottom which appear to be the only means of attaching the lamp. There is no burner. Is this possibly a locomotive lamp?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, June 20, 2009 by Tom   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. It's a semaphore signal lamp case. If complete it would have an inner lamp comtaining the burner and fuel vessel. The smaller aperture at the rear is a "backlight", to indicate to the signalman that the lamp is alight. You are quite right, a level-crossing lamp is almost identical except that it has two red lenses, front and rear. The copper plating is not original, signal lamps were painted black. Posted Monday, June 22, 2009 by JAJ

 Q1617 NYNH&HRR Lamp  Let me first Thank you for any possible info you can give me on the following topic : My girlfriend,who grew up in New Paltz New York,recently found in her attic an old Railroad lamp with the markings : NYNH&HRR on it...The lamp has been converted to electric light...I have learned,through YOUR website,what company that was and that they existed from 1874 thru 1968...However,is there anyway you could tell us WHAT YEAR THE LAMP was made,and by WHAT COMPANY ??.. We GREATLY appreciate your help,if any,and we both enjoy the lamp and will soon be fixing the electric system and displaying the lamp in our home..It has already become quite a conversation piece!!   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, June 20, 2009 by LC   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. If there is no company name on the lamp, it was very likely made in the railroad's own shops. The vent holes along the bottom instead of higher up on the lamp, indicated it is fairly old. I'd say early 1900's or before. Posted Tuesday, June 23, 2009 by TJ

A. Hello,your lamp appears to be a Dietz classification lamp,or similar use lamp using the same body. There is a pic. in Barrett's Encyclopedia of RR Lighting,book #2 on page #136.The patent date given is 3-16-1886. Posted Thursday, June 25, 2009 by Mike Dolan

A. My guess, based on similar lamps, is that it's a Dressel marker lamp. The style is from the late 1800's, but these were made into the 1920's. Again, I'm guessing, but since it has the newer style lens coupling rings instead of the 3 pin retainers, I say it's a later version from the teens or 20's. Also, many of these early Dressel lamps didn't have a manufacturer's stamp or tag. Posted Thursday, June 25, 2009 by JFR

A. There's a similar one just listed on ebay lettered BOSTON DIV. It looks less like the Dressel that I mentioned earlier after looking at the additional photos on ebay. The reply from Mr. Dolan is probably be more accurate than mine. Could be a rare opportunity to put together a set of early marker lamps. Posted Thursday, June 25, 2009 by JFR

A. I'm still not comfortable with the fact that there isn't a manufacturing company name on it, though. Posted Friday, June 26, 2009 by TJ

A. Hello again,the lamp I stated was a Dietz is a Peter Gray.I apparently skipped the title page starting the next section.The illustrated lamp in Barretts book is in new condition and shows no Mfg. name on the visible part. Posted Friday, June 26, 2009 by Mike Dolan

A. This lamp looks a lot like a Peter Gray product. Dennis Pearson has posted many lantern manufcaturer's catalogs on his website, including one from Peter Gray. Here is a link to the main website and a direct link to the Peter Gray railroad catalog. Mr. Pearson has kindly mentioned that the catalogs may be reproduced for non-commercial use so perhaps we could put this 69 page catalog into the library here with his permission.  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Saturday, June 27, 2009 by KM

A. Scroll down to page 6 in the Peter Gray catalog and look at the "Freight Car Tailight". All 69 pages of the catalog aren't railroad oriented, but there are more railroad items towards the back of the catalog so it's worth your time to look at the whole thing.  Posted Saturday, June 27, 2009 by KM

A. Here is another good link from the Cambridge Historical Society. It appears that they obtained the corporate archives from Peter Gray in 1998. See item number 33, classification and marker lights.  Link 1  Posted Saturday, June 27, 2009 by KM

A. It's a Peter Gray model. FWIW, there is a book on Peter Gray written a few years ago at: www.farrellrailroadconsulting.com J Link 1  Posted Thursday, July 2, 2009 by Joef

 Q1616 C. I & S. Ry Globe  Hi Folks: I have a 5-1/4 in. globe from my grandfather's estate; I believe his father worked out of St. Louis well before the turn of the Century as a locomotive engineer. The globe is clear, faintly etched ''C. I & S. Ry ' (note punctuation, first period actually looks like a comma, ' C, I & S. Ry ' ). The closest thing I see in the database is CS&IRR. I can supply a photo by email to any interested. Comments? Many thanks!  Posted Tuesday, June 16, 2009 by Chas   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Your globe is probably from the Chicago, Indiana & Southern RR, a Midwestern road brought under control of the New York Central RR and eventually merged into the NYCS. Posted Tuesday, June 16, 2009 by TR

A. Would "Railway" vs. "Railroad" date it or otherwise provide info? Thanks! Chas Posted Tuesday, June 16, 2009 by chaslittell

A.  "RR" vs. "RY" usually indicated that the railroad in question had gone through a bankruptcy proceeding, and the ownership was playing a "name game". Around the turn of the century, this was very common. The Wabash, for instance, had been "RR", "RY.", and "RR Co." at various times. Unfortunately, it has been my experience that the lantern and globe makers didn't always care about these subtle differences, and used whatever tooling or molds they already had available to complete the order. In theory, you should be able to consult the appropriate Poor's Manual to verify exactly when the term "RR" or "RY." was correct, but even then, you can't be certain that the globe set-up or stencil man at the factory wasn't simply using the pattern on hand.  Posted Tuesday, June 16, 2009 by TR

 Q1615 Silver Question  I have two pieces of railroad silver which are identical, both marked Reed & Barton, silver soldered, 2, (railroad name). But one is also marked Stief Co. What is the difference and how can I tell how old the pieces are?  Posted Monday, June 15, 2009 by Nocal257   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q1614 NYC Keys  I have two New York Central keys I'd like to know more about. The first is a single-ringed key marked NYCRR, made by Bohannan of Brooklyn. I know keys of this type were made from at least the late 1870s to maybe the 1890s--but from 1869 to maybe 1914, the NYC was known as the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad. Does anyone know if the two markings (NYCRR and NYC&HRRR) were used interchangeably in that time? Alternatively, can anyone confirm if this style of single-ringed Bohannan keys were made prior to 1869? A few months back Sue Knous listed a similarly-styled key marked HRRR, which she identified as from the Hudson River Railroad--the merger partner to the New York Central in 1869. That key is here: http://railroadmemories.com/dynapage/IP7397.htm. Can anyone confirm that it is from the Hudson River RR? The second is a later Bohannan (though not marked as such) key stamped NYCRR. The bit is jagged on the bottom and looks like it could be broken off in places, but I don't recognize the keying even when I imaginatively fill in the gaps. When looking at the NYCRR-marked side, the bit curves in gently from the backside; it resembles a backwards 9 when looking at the barrel head-on. Any thoughts? Thanks,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, June 10, 2009 by Robb  Link 1     Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q1613 Lantern Type?  Hi, I have no idea what type of lantern this is. There are no marking except on the knob to adjust the wick and they are too worn to be read. Any help is appreciated.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, June 10, 2009 by NS   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I suspect this is part (or maybe all) of a 'Magic Lantern' projector, the earliest form of slide or filmstrip projector. They came in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. If you could place a slide behind the lens assembly of this unit, you may have the whole projector. Or this might only be the light source for a more complicated projector. The links show various models. The links will also get you to the 'Magic Lantern Society' and the Museum, which know more about this one. One more possibility is this could be a laboratory optical light source.  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Friday, June 12, 2009 by RJMc

A. Here's a link which shows and explains a Magic Lantern more similar to yours -- but not quite identical. Link 1  Posted Friday, June 12, 2009 by RJMc

 Q1612 Baldwin Builders Plate  I recently acquired a Baldwin builders plate and would like to find out what engine it is from. The plate number is 51673, April 1919. I was told it was thought to be from a Southern Pacific 2-10-2, but would like to know for sure. Any help is appreciated.  Posted Tuesday, June 9, 2009 by DP   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. You beat me to that one on craigslist According to Ron Muldowney this plate came from UP 2-10-2 #5012 later became LA&SL #5528 Posted Friday, June 12, 2009 by robert hedgecock

A. Roger, Thanks for the info. Please email me at wdpdepot@roadrunner.com as I would like to discuss the plate with you. Downs Prior Posted Sunday, June 14, 2009 by wdpdepot

 Q1611 Union RR Glasses  I am trying to find information on a set of glass tumblers (not a value). My father In law worked for the union railroad until his departure and my husband and I have inherited a set of glasses .... that have railroad pictures on them and also the Union Railroad name along with a picture of a ribbon that states next to it National Safety Council Award of Honor with a little green plus sign with something illegible written in the circle around it. I have searched both the Internet and the local public libraries looking for more information about them. Such as; Are they something I should consider museum worthy or just put them on display at my own home? Were they really awards? Why were they awarded and when? If you would have any suggestions as to where I can find more information or the history of these glasses I would appreciate it!  Posted Tuesday, June 9, 2009 by JM   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Interesting item. I'm assuming that we're talking about the Union RR in the Pitsburgh PA area. In the past it was one of a group of steel industry railroads owned by US Steel before they sold their rail properties to an investment group known as Transtar. I've followed the fortunes of the old US Steel roads for quite a few years now. I can't tell you about your specific items, but I can tell you that all the USX railroads were extremely safety conscious. Railroading was, (and still is), an inherently dangerous way to make a living, and the railroads used many motivational strategies to help keep their crews alert. You often see keychains, money clips, lighters, plaques, and other gifts with the railroad's logo and some type of safety award slogan. The Bessemer & Lake Erie, the Union's Pittsburgh partner, was especially prolific in this regard. B&LE safety items still surface regularly in local antique malls. Your items were most probably a corporate gift to employees in recognition of the award. As to their value, they are not likely to be extremely valuable in monetary terms, but they are a neat reminder of a fading era.  Posted Wednesday, June 10, 2009 by TR

 Q1610 Breakheart Pass Loco  Any one know what locomotive was used in the movie 'Breakheart Pass'? Also which railroad was used and the locations? Thanks for your help.  Posted Tuesday, June 9, 2009 by JM   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. That was former Great Western Railway #75, a 2-8-0 Consolidation type. At that time in 1975 it was located on the Camas Prairie Railroad in Lewiston, Idaho. It is now at the Heber Valley Railroad being restored. Here is a link to Railserve.com that shows the top ten all time best big screen rail based movies with some information about when and where each one was filmed.  Link 1  Posted Thursday, June 11, 2009 by KM

A. There is a Yahoo Group that for fans of the Camas Prairie Railroad. If you want more information on the exact locations that were used in the film that is probably a good place to start asking. The CSP was a very scenic railroad located in logging country with a huge number of tall wooden tressles. Here is a link to the Yahoo Group. Link 1  Posted Thursday, June 11, 2009 by KM

A. This link is a good discussion that was posted on the Camas Prairie Yahoo Group abut the exact locations that were sued during the filming.  Link 1  Posted Thursday, June 11, 2009 by KM

 Q1609 Burlington Steam Engine Whistle  I just purchased a 5 step Burlington steam engine whistle. It has the usual double fulcrum but no arm. Does anyone know where I could get plans/measurments for an arm like the Burlington used?  Posted Tuesday, June 9, 2009 by Jim   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. First of all you should join the Yahoo Group, steam-whistles@yahoo groups.com. It is a very active group that has many collectors and experts that participate. there are frequent "whistle blows" around the country that are promoted there. There are two guys that are building new reproduction steam whistles and parts on a large volume basis. They are MD Whistles and Western Locomotive Supply. Here are links to their websites. Link 1  Link 2  Posted Wednesday, June 10, 2009 by KM

A. Can you supply a link to the Yahoo Group? Posted Wednesday, June 10, 2009 by JM

A. Here is a direct link to the Yahoo Steam Whistle group.  Link 1  Posted Thursday, June 11, 2009 by KM

A. I also forgot to mention Boothman and Johnson as a resource for reproduction steam whistles and parts. Here is a link to their website.  Link 1  Posted Sunday, June 14, 2009 by KM

 Q1608 WT.CO marking  I recently found an Adlake 300 lantern with a clear globe and with WT.CO markings on the top. What is the name on the railroad and what is the approximate time period when this was used? Thanks.  Posted Tuesday, June 9, 2009 by Dave   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. WT Co. is for Washington Terminal Co. This is the location of Union Station in Washington DC. Which was built in 1902 and is still in use today by Amtrak trains. Use of kero lanterns was outlawed for safety reasons in the late 1970's. Posted Tuesday, June 9, 2009 by Ex Sou Ry

 Q1607 Lantern Initials  Have you ever seen a lantern with the letters EIW & NIT or EW & NIT? Thanks  Posted Wednesday, June 3, 2009 by RW   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. No, but we would like to, send us a picture! Seriously, the initials may not be from a railroad, and the lantern might be a general use, barnyard type from some private contractor, government agency, or utility company. A photo would at least let us know if the lantern is a railroad type. See Q1603 below for an example of a general use lantern that probably was used on a small logging railroad. The excellent more detailed information and photos provided by the owner of that lantern allowed us to do some research that may have verified the use of that lantern.  Posted Thursday, June 4, 2009 by KM

A. Sorry to report but the auctioneer had the description of the lantern wrong, I did purchase it today and it was still a good find, it was Adams Westlake tall double wire guard in good cond., the lantern was marked Ft.W & NIT Co. Ft.Wayne & Northern Indiana Traction Co. and the Clear globe etched Ft.W & WVT / Ft.Wayne Wabash Valley Traction Co., which the globe & the lantern do go together, renamed 1904 Ft.Wayne & Wabash Valley Traction Co. in 1911 reorganized as the Ft.Wayne Northern Indiana Traction Co. Posted Saturday, June 6, 2009 by R.W.

A. A really nice find, R.W.! Send in some photos of the lantern! Posted Sunday, June 7, 2009 by KM

A. Here are some photos. Link 1  Posted Thursday, June 11, 2009 by R.W.

 Q1606 NORY&P Lock  Can anyone help me identify this railroad Padlock? I believe it is from the New Orleans and Pontchartrain Railway but I am not sure. Also I would like to know the Manufacturer of the Lock and app. age. any help would be appreciated   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, June 3, 2009 by JH   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The best matchup I can find for this lock is: Northwestern Ohio Railway and Power Co. which existed from 1912 to 1924, when it went into the Ohio Public Service Co Also the lock style appears to be like those made by the Dayton Mfg. Co of Dayton, OH. It makes sense that the trolley line would have ordered local for their padlocks and other hardware. Posted Thursday, June 4, 2009 by DA

A. It would help to have a picture of the shape of the keyway, to see if it matches other locks and keys of known origin. The interurban electric railroads changed corporate names and initials fairly often (compared with steam railroads) but seldom bothered to change lock and key patterns -- that would have cost a lot of money and the locks continued to work just fine, no matter what initials were on them. Regards, RJMc  Posted Tuesday, June 9, 2009 by RJMc

 Q1605 'Wells Fargo' Item  I am sending a picture of a small case that has PROPERTY OF WELLS FARGO &CO WXPRESS DENVER COLO. On it. We bought it at an auction and someone said it was what they put gold in for emeregencies. It looks like a cigarette case albeit home rolled cigarettes of the time since it is very thin. It appears to be brass. Any info on this would be helpful.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, May 31, 2009 by Penny   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Might be a match case but according to the WF collector who wrote the linked article (Link 1)its a fake apparently. He says WF never authorized a shield for their property. See Link 1. Hope it helps. Link 1  Posted Sunday, May 31, 2009 by BC

A. Great! lol. The Link is no good but the article can be found by Googling "small brass wells fargo case" and its the second item down (ebay reviews etc.)  Posted Sunday, May 31, 2009 by BC

A. There are so many Wells Fargo fakes around that one must doubt the authenticity of any item that you might see unless you know the seller and his reputation personally. The shield on this item looks like it was soldered to the small brass case. The patina on the brass could have been applied by exposing the whole thing to sulphuric acid, (like car battery acid or some drain cleaners), fumes. The lettering on the shield looks like it was done with a steel stamp set that can be bought at any hardware store. I am going to try and post the link that is mentioned above again because it is a good article written by a long time collector on WF fakes posted as a reference on eBay. And if you want to pursue this any further Wells Fargo has a website and they have company archivists that work at their museums and they will ususally answer questions about items like this. The second link is to the Wells Fargo website, and contact information is available there.  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Sunday, May 31, 2009 by KM

A. This paragraph is taken right from the Railroadiana.Org/Fakes/WellsFargo information page: Brass match or business card "safes". Small brass cases, a little smaller than a cigarette pack. These have a shield applied to the side marked "Property of Wells Fargo Express, Nevada City". Also with same mark except from Denver City. A Sidenote: This item has also turned up marked Adams Express Company, New York. There are other markings besides the ones listed above. All fantasy pieces. Posted Sunday, May 31, 2009 by DA

 Q1604 RR Lantern  Is this a railroad lantern or a barn lantern...your help would be appreciated....It was made by E.T. Wright.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, May 27, 2009 by Glenn   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. E T Wright was a Canadian manufacturer from Hamilton, Ontario. I can see a "C" embossed on the tank and another letter, is the second letter a "P"? If so it might mean Canadian Pacific, and yes that would be a railroad lantern for use by car inspector or a track walker. A very simialr lantern is shown on page 263 in Richard Barrett's book, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Railroad Lighting, Volume 1- The Railroad Lantern, and it is described in the E T Wright catalog from 1913 as a No. 50 Car Wheel Inspectors' Lantern.  Posted Thursday, May 28, 2009 by KM