Question & Answer Board

 Q4059 Dietz Lanterns  I’ve got a couple of Dietz railroad lanterns from the 1920s and was wondering why they made them to where you had to take them apart to refill with kerosene instead of a cap you unscrew? Posted Thursday, April 11, 2024 by MS   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. From the earliest days of railroading brakemen and other employees were frequently climbing on and off moving equipment and climbing up and down ladders to get to hand brake wheels, with lantern in hand. Or, often, with the large hoop lantern bail over their arm. And the lanterns were used to pass hand signals at night, involving vigorous motion of the lantern. During all this activity, any arrangement with an easy-to-use screw cap would risk not only frequent loss of the cap but splashing-out and spillage of the kerosene with risk of fire. Marker lamps and switch lamps were much more stationary and so had tanks with easy-to-fill threaded caps. To reduce accidents most railroads today actually ban boarding or alighting from any moving equipment, access to the roofs of cars is prohibited, and every employee has a portable radio to pass signals. So you will seldom see the kinds of activities the kerosene lanterns supported other than in movies or maybe at a museum.  Posted Friday, April 12, 2024 by RJMc

 Q4058 L&N Lantern with SAL Globe  I have a Louisville & Nashville Armspear Lantern dated 1925 that has a red Seaboard Air Line globe in my railroad collection. I know that the L&N and SAL are part of the 'Family Tree' that eventually became CSX. I also had - at one time - a PRR Lantern with a NYC globe. These two Railroads merged to become Penn Central. My question is: are these mix matches of lanterns and globes something that actually occurred on railroads through mergers or is it more likely they were matched later on? Thanks for any help you can provide.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, April 2, 2024 by John   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The RR name marking on a lantern globe makes really no difference in the function. The answers to prior Q's 994 and 1021 give some discussion of how the various RR companies cooperated to arrive at standards that were used industry-wide to purchase items such as lanterns and globes. Use of the common standards guaranteed that the RR's got large quantity price discounts on all purchases, and that the items themselves were widely interchangeable. The various RR's served common terminals and so swapping of components was not uncommon and globes probably got broken very often and replaced with whatever was on hand (or nearby) regardless of the name on the globe. The later relationships of the companies probably has little to do with what globe may be seen in which lantern; of course that same interchangeability means that subsequent owners have also done a lot of swapping -- there is really no way to tell after the fact.  Posted Wednesday, April 3, 2024 by RJMc

A. The '1925' is a model number, not a date of manufacture. Put 'Armspear 1925' in the word search box (just the text, not the quote marks) to see several earlier Q's about this model. Regarding SAL and L&N, an Official Guide to the Rwys. from 1965 shows those two pre-merger lines both serving major terminals in Atlanta, Birmingham and Montgomery, AL, and of course many places in between so there were plenty of places a globe might have been swapped either before or after the lantern left service on the railroad.  Posted Sunday, April 7, 2024 by RJMc

 Q4057 Presentation Lantern  I'm wondering if you can give me any information on my presentation lantern. I believe it is silver over brass and that the globe is not correct . Any info would be appreciated. Thank you.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, April 2, 2024 by Mary   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. As for the metal, a good jeweler should be able to tell you for certain if the plating is silver and identify the underlying metal. If you look in St. Louis city directories (business preferred) you should be able to reasonably date when the maker, Hart & Duff was in operation. A good reference librarian should be able to help you, or even use Google Books (not "straight Google")(Link 1) The St. Louis Public Library (link 2) is worth contacting. This lantern would be gorgeous with a two-color globe, which is what it deserves. You're correct, the Vesta globe is totally wrong (way too young) but if it fits, that is a huge help finding another that will. Good luck - it's lovely!!  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Saturday, April 6, 2024 by JMS

A. Mary - I just did a quick Google Books search and Hart & Duff was at 113 Broadway, St. Louis, late 1800s-early 1900s. Apparently they were listed as a hat company, but they were a purveyor of all kinds of railroad items including lanterns (may have had an outside company making them, for Hart & Duff?) I would go to the horse's mouth, St. Louis city library reference section. Best of luck !!  Posted Saturday, April 6, 2024 by JMS

 Q4056 PRR Black Keystone Patch  I have a black PRR keystone 1 inch patch, but I cannot find any info on it. Usually I only find the red patches. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, March 15, 2024 by Nancy H.   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Collar insignia? Posted Sunday, March 17, 2024 by da

A. I believe DA is correct this is NOT a "patch" and never was; it is an insignia, likely from a collar or lapel of a uniform jacket or possibly vest. The uniform makers would embroider these insignia directly onto fabric. Clearly, the garment in this case was black fabric (likely wool or a wool blend). Regardless, the "thread" is metal, either silver or gold bullion (I'm sorry, I can't tell for certain from the photo). When the garment this was on was discarded, someone cut out the insignia to save it.  Posted Wednesday, March 20, 2024 by JMS

A. These lapel markings were popular during WW2 and were made to conserve material for the war effort. Posted Sunday, March 24, 2024 by Ex Sou Ry

 Q4055 Question about a Key  I recently found a key metal detecting near a railroad that appears to be a railroad key of some type. Unfortunately I cannot find any information on it. I would like to know how old it is, what it was for and which rail it may have belonged to? Thanks.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, March 9, 2024 by Mark   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. There is some possibility that this is a RR key. However, at one time keys like this, and the padlocks they opened, were in wide general use by all kinds of busineeses, farms, utility companies, and many, many other users. They were commonly sold over-the-counter in hardware stores and lock shops. The number 12 on the key is quite likely a number for which key blank it was made from; there was typically a selection of over 20 or 30 sizes and configurations of blanks for keys like this in any well-stocked lock shop. Since there is no marking on the key to indicate a RR, the only way anyone will have of associating it with a particular company or a particular function is if someone happens to recognize the bit pattern, which is again possible, but pretty unlikely; or possibly if there was more specific info from someone who knew its history. The blank for this key can still be purchased, typically at the really 'veteran' older lock shops found in some cities, where they may still retain inventory of blanks purchased years ago. Posted Monday, March 11, 2024 by RJMc

 Q4054 Tags Used on Freight?  A friend and I were metal detecting the site of a general store that was active from about 1880-1910. There was a grain elevator next door, and a railroad track ran alongside the elevator. Across the road was the train depot. Between us, we found six brass luggage tags on the land where the store and elevator were. (We have not yet been able to search the spot where the depot was.) I thought it was odd to find so many luggage tags across the road from the depot, which made me wonder whether these tags were also used on goods that were being moved by train and delivered to the store? Any information you can provide would be appreciated.  [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, March 9, 2024 by Devon, Northfield, MN   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. A further question came to mind -- without any real basis -- was the Post Office located in the general store? I am not aware of RR baggage tags being used on parcel shipments, especially since they were supposed to be returned to the originating carrier for re-issue, but it might have happened.  Posted Thursday, March 14, 2024 by RJMc

A. A further suggestion: "Luggage" tags with one slot are part of sets of two: One tag would be attached to the parcel and the other serve as a claim check, given to the passenger checking the item to reclaim at the end of the trip, by matching their tag with the one on the luggage. The large two-slotted tags were for unaccompanied baggage. The two on each end of your picture are the type called "shells" - a paper tag would be inserted into slots on the long edges (in your photo they're on the other sides), held in place by inserting straps through the short end slots, then attaching those straps to the parcel. Also - This little group of buildings created a busy area where a lot of train related business was going on: travelers checking things in or picking them up; freight and baggage cars being loaded or unloaded; stage coaches and hacks looking for passengers. Tags of all kinds could have been dropped willy nilly anywhere. (And there might well have been Post Office involvement via a mail car, on any number of trains.)  Posted Thursday, March 21, 2024 by JMS

 Q4053 Holder for Kerosene Lamp?  I'm wondering if this is the holder for some kind of wall mounted caboose lamp? The moving arm brings that cap down to a fixed horizontal position. Is that cap a snuffer perhaps? Not sure what the front long area is for unless the lamp was shaped as fairly squat with a reservoir that extended forward. Thanks,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, March 7, 2024 by Ed   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I think the round cap is the giveaway; this is probably a juice squeezer. Searching for 'antique juice squeezer' images brings up a lot of pix of different varieties, but all basically the same idea. Link 1 shows only the bottom of a 1905 model that looks a lot like yours; Link 2 is the full view of a slightly different model. If yours is fairly small, it might have been used at a bar to squeeze limes.  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Thursday, March 7, 2024 by RJMc

A. Doubt it’s a squeezer for anything. The whole apparatus is about 12” tall and made of very light, bendable materials. There are only two small bolts holding the thin metal cup to the arm. The cup descends at an angle and only becomes completely horizontal at the bottom of the cycle unlike a squeezer which is designed to be horizontal the full time a squeezer is engaged. You couldn’t put any pressure on it or it would break. Its only apparent function is to gently come down on to the top of something to close it off which is why I believe it is a snuffer of some kind maybe for a kerosene lamp or even a candle inside a glass cylinder. Just wondered if anyone had ever seen a lamp with a mechanism like this. It also has a holder for a container that keeps whatever it is in place and centered for the cup to come down on. There are mounting holes on the back so that it can be mounted/hung on a wall Posted Friday, March 8, 2024 by EPD

A. I don't think any juice squeezer would have been wall mounted (mounting holes are clearly evident) and this may be off, but TO ME the surfaces of the piece look somewhat "scuzzy" and not "finished." To me they look like an aged industrial piece, not something smooth and easily cleaned that you'd want around food. The surfaces of actual juicers that RJM posted are smooth (still, despite age) and factory finished, to be easily cleaned and appropriate for food use.  Posted Saturday, March 9, 2024 by JMS

A. With all due regard to everyone's observations, Link 1 is the full pic of the 1905 Juice-o-Matic, a part of which was in the earlier link. And it might have been for squeezing out tomato juice; a lot easier to squeeze than lemons or oranges. The item in the pic and your item continue to look extremely similar to me. Link 1  Posted Friday, March 15, 2024 by RJMc

A. I agree the finish is very rough....to the extent that the item may have been heavily corroded at some time and then very roughly refinished. The original finish might have been much more suitable for food handling.  Posted Wednesday, March 20, 2024 by RJMc

 Q4052 Lock for Real?  This lock is from an Ohio estate making Atlantic & Great Western RR a possibility. The smaller stamp is Adrian Mich across the bottom and ‘something’ Co arching across the top. It seems to be functional, and reading about Adrian MI indicates strong railroad history and manufacturing history. There is a large stamped S on the other side of the shackle. Is it real and what company in Adrian MI is connected?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, March 1, 2024 by Joyce   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The Atlantic and Great Western RR betweetn 1860 and 1880 was the broad-gauge (6 feet!) predecessor to what ultimately became the Erie Railroad main line between the New York City metro area and Cleveland, and Dayton, OH. The lock certainly looks appropriate for that time period. A view of the keyway would help to match it to other known samples. I am having a very hard time trying to make out the manufacturer name; no historical references -- so far -- in the Adrian, MI area seem to come close. It might help to try side-lighting that lettering to make it more readable, or maybe try putting baby powder over it to bring up the raised lettering by covering up the background.  Posted Saturday, March 2, 2024 by trnbob

A. Please either tell us what it says or as trnbob asks, post a clear picture of the small stamp at lower right. What's there now enlarges so blurry it is not readable. SORRY ! The "S" simply stands for "switch" which is the function of this type of lock. I would suggest finding Adrian Michigan city directory(one or more) from the later 1800s - you can try a Google search for them, or a good library reference department should be able to help you. This is a good looking lock, it deserves to be more closely identified, especially since it seems to have been manufactured by a rare maker.  Posted Sunday, March 3, 2024 by JMS

A. Here's a close-up of the manufacturer's mark. Link 1  Posted Thursday, March 7, 2024 by Joyce

A. I believe the makers mark says Ill. Mfg Co for Illinois Manufacturing Company, which was engaged in the manufacture of railway brass and bronze supplies. They were located in Adrian Mich. Posted Thursday, March 7, 2024 by DA

A. Here's a picture of the keyhole. Link 1  Posted Saturday, March 9, 2024 by Joyce

 Q4051 A&W Switch Lock  I am a volunteer in the collections department of the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum in Tucson, Arizona. We are principally interested in the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific railroads ... these are the two lines that have operated in Southern Arizona/Tucson since the 1880's. The attached photos are of a switch lock that was recently donated to us. We have determined that the maker is A&W Co. of Chicago as shown stamped on the lock. Most importantly on the face is stamped 'So. Pacific Co' - right up our alley !! We have tried to research A&W Co. and do know it was a manufacturer of locks. I have found several A&W switch locks on-line, but cannot find information about the company itself --- other than in Chicago I don't know the years in business,relations with other Railroad companies, other RR products made, connection to Southern Pacific, etc. I have not yet looked through our inventory but I believe it is the first A&W lock we may have ... so very interested. I would appreciate any information you may have on A&W Co. or where we might look to find more about this company. Thank you in advance for helping us on this little project. Regards,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, March 1, 2024 by Debbie, SATM Collections    Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hello. A&W stands for Adams and Westlake Co., a predecessor of today's Adlake which continues to supply locks, keys and many other items of specialty hardware -- including lamps and lanterns -- to the railroad industry. Just to start, Link 1 is to an article about the history of A&W and Adlake. Putting 4044 in the Question Number box on this Q&A website will bring up a very recent discussion about locks like yours, and it explains the CS4 marking on your lock. Putting Adlake into the Word or Phrase box will bring up a huge number of prior Q&A's about many of the various kinds of things we have previously discussed here on the site. The second link it to the page in the Library on this website discussing railroad locks in general.  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Saturday, March 2, 2024 by RJMc

 Q4050 Monon Railroad Telegraph Key and Sounder  My grandfather worked as a telegrapher on the Monon Railroad from 1923-1937 in Indiana. Are you able to provide information on who manufactured the telegraph key and sounder used by the Monon Railroad during this time? Do you have similar manufacturing information for the glass insulators used on the poles along the telegraph lines? Thanks very much.  Posted Saturday, February 17, 2024 by KS   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. There was always a lot of variety in things like telegraph keys and sounders on railroads. That said, the railroads had strong partnerships with the Western Union Telegraph Co. and often the equipment in stations was provided by WUT and used to handle the traffic of both companies. There are good photos at Link 1 of the most typical basic types of keys and sounders, as well as relays also typically found in stations. Many telegraph operators brought their own much more sophisticated sending keys, called 'bugs', often made by the Vibroplex Co., and which could send much faster than the basic keys. The Link 1 site also covers a lot of info about insulators, which were even less standard than telegraph instruments.  Link 1  Posted Sunday, February 18, 2024 by RJMc

A. For insulators - try the National Insulator Collectors - a great, very active group !! See Link 1.  Link 1  Posted Monday, February 19, 2024 by JMS

 Q4049 Bell Identification  Shown here is a bell we have on display in our fire station. We believe it was manufactured by G.H. Holbrook Company in Medway, MA. There are 3 markings on the bell: 1. GHH 2. 1840 3. MASS. The bell was given to the Payson Tucker Hose Company No. 1 in 1885 by Payson Tucker, the General Manager of the Maine Central Railroad. It was mounted on top of the fire station and was used to alert the volunteer firemen of a fire in the village of Winthrop, Maine. Because of Payson Tuckers affiliation with the railroad, some have speculated that the bell came off a locomotive. I was curious of your opinion as the bell appears larger than most locomotive bells I have seen? The bell is 21 inches in diameter at the base and 22 inches tall.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, February 17, 2024 by DC    Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Yes, this is way too tall, and the mount is wrong, to have been on a locomotive. The mount is typical of the bells used on churches, schools, and firehouses. Posted Sunday, February 18, 2024 by RJMc

 Q4048 Lima Builders Plate  I recently bought a Lima locomotive works Inc. shovel and crane division builders plate front, serial #2948. Quick question: is the plate real and if so was it used on a crane or possibly a locomotive? Either way any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.  Posted Monday, February 12, 2024 by Warren   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q4047 Baggage Tag Info and Age?  I found a RR baggage tag with my metal detector this afternoon. I am trying to find out what RR it is from. The initials are P. & N. B. R. R. made by J. Robbins Boston. I found it in Massachusetts near the old Nashua, Acton and Boston Railroad bed. I was also curious about its approximate age. Thank you for your time. Regards,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, February 12, 2024 by Ron S   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Sorry, having no luck with figuring this one out. A run through Bill Edson's comprehensive "Railroad Names" of US lines yields no likely candidates, either in the railroad section, or the interurban and trolley section. The Initials Lookup page in this RRiana website yields no likely candidates either. A hunch that "NB" might be New Brunswick, Canada, didn't pan out either. I haven't looked into the Trolley and Interurban directory yet.  Posted Tuesday, February 13, 2024 by RJMc

A. NB could also be New Bedford. Check out Tagtown for info on Robbins tags (link 1). This one looks truly old and I don't recall seeing a Robbins marking where this one appears. You might write Tagtown's owner with questions. Good luck !!  Link 1  Posted Thursday, February 15, 2024 by JMS

A. When I found my copy of Gross's all-US Trolley and Interurban Directory, it did not have any P&NB candidates either, anywhere in the U.S. Posted Sunday, February 18, 2024 by RJMc

A. This may not be a baggage tag. Similar tags were used as employee ID's for payroll purposes (long before paper or plastic ID cards were common), as well as tool checks. Put 'brass tag' in the search box to see much prior discussion about tags like this. These kinds of checks would have been used on temporary local construction RR's also, ones which never carried checked baggage. There were many small lines which existed for only short lifetimes and which don't show up in any of the databases we have been looking in, even though they were incorporated railroad companies. Sometimes they will show up when an extensive historical search picks them up in local newspapers for example, but its very hit-and-miss.  Posted Monday, February 19, 2024 by RJMc

 Q4046 Signal Lens Question  I have a US and S signal that was used as a dwarf signal. When I took it apart to refurbish several years ago I didn’t note which side of this inner doublet lens faces ‘out’ (towards the engineer, away from the mechanism). One side is flat and smooth and the other side is ribbed and painted black on the ridges. I THINK the flat smooth side as I have pictured. Would anyone be able to verify that for me? Also, I notice this lens has a ‘TOP’ stamped in it with the arrow pointed down. I have a couple other Color light signals and most of the lens have an arrow on them. Do they always point down or towards the tracks etc? I’d like to ensure they get reinstalled properly too. Thank for any help! Much appreciated! Lonnie in Canada   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, February 12, 2024 by Lonnie in Canada   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Greetings Lonnie, the correct way to mount the doublet lens is to have the flat side facing inwards (towards the signal case) and the ribbed side to be on the outside of the housing facing outwards (towards the engineer). Also the correct orientation is to have the word TOP at the 12 O'Clock position and, you're right, have the arrow pointing down towards the track at the 6 O'Clock position. I hope this helps you! Posted Tuesday, February 13, 2024 by Steve B.

 Q4045 Fresnel Globe History  Was curious about when fresnel globes first appeared? Would you expect to see them on certain lanterns and are there examples where a fresnel globe would obviously not be appropriate and effect value? Thanks from a new collector.  Posted Tuesday, February 6, 2024 by BL   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Some indication of just how long Fresnel lenses have been around, copied from prior Q 3669 here on the RRiana site: Q 3369 A. Per "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Railroad Lighting Vol. 1: The Railroad Lantern" (Barrett) : The Fresnel (pronounced Fray-nell) globe is named after Augustin Jean Fresnel (1788-1827). Fresnel was a French physicist and engineer who did much research on the light conditions governing interference phenomena on polarized light and on double refraction. He developed a method of producing circulatory polarized light. [Fresnel globes] were used in railroad applications because they reduced globe breakage and, under many conditions, gave better light. They were ideally suited for some railroad applications because they produced a beam of high intensity light with limited vertical spread. This made them ideal for use in crossing gate lanterns and rip track lanterns. Posted Saturday, September 7, 2019 by JMS (end of quote.) On railroads many Fresnel lenses were used for grade crossing watchmen's lanterns to focus the beam more at the level of an oncoming highway driver. Similarly they were used for warning lights on railroad bridges where oncming boat traffic was to be warned and on many other marine lamps as well. Just put the word Fresnel in the 'Word or Phrase' search box and push the Go button to see a lot of prior discussion.  Posted Tuesday, February 6, 2024 by RJMc

 Q4044 Lock Marking  I like to collect old stuff and always wanted a old pad lock, but does 'CS 4' mean anything?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, January 27, 2024 by CQ   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hi CQ, the CS stands for "Common Standard", and the number is an order number. Several railroads such as Union Pacific, Southern Pacific, Oregon Short Line and others used a Common Standard system so the ordering department knew what to ask for when ordering locks and keys and other necessary hardware. This was particularly useful on railroads that used multiple types of locks ie; Switch locks, Signal locks, Roadway and Bridge Locks, Special Purpose locks. Sometimes the CS number is cast or stamped on the locks and keys. On the SP CS-4 was the switch lock designation. That's a nice lock you have, congratulations! Posted Monday, January 29, 2024 by Steve B.

A. See prior Q's 3905 and 2840 for more discussion of the Common Standards, which were used on the Harriman-owned RR's and covered many other things in addition to locks. Posted Tuesday, January 30, 2024 by RJMc

A. See also Q 3552 for keys and numbering/lettering relating to CS4. Additionally, Q 3562 covers some more SP CS numbers. As to Harriman related “Common Standards”, and this is not bible, it was my understanding that it was first used on Southern Pacific while Huntington still ruled. Then, seeing the value of it, Mr. Harriman decided to apply it across the system using S.P. as the basis. The dissolution of the joint system did not stop the use of C.S., but Union Pacific would have been the primary source on their end (UP, OSL, OWRR&N, etc.) with Southern Pacific controlling their groupings. Much of it would have been shared by necessity of exchange practices across roads. Not sure how ICRR ran it. Posted Friday, February 2, 2024 by ShastaRoute

 Q4043 Dietz No. 39  I recently picked up this Dietz No. 39 lantern with an unmarked globe. I have been searching around for information (and have received some) about dating the item. During my search I have not seen any examples online that do not have a manufacture location stamped on the brass top like mine. Is anyone able to help me out on this? Is it possible that Dietz had some made by another company and did not mark manufacture location or is this simply a variant? Many thanks for you time.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, January 27, 2024 by Dave in Canada   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q4042 Brass CNJ Tag  I was wondering if anybody has any idea of what this CRR of NJ brass tag was used for? I was told it was a luggage tag but I have never seen one this shape and size before. It is 5 in. long 2 in. wide and the hole in the center is 3/4 in. round. Any ideas?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, January 27, 2024 by Ram   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. These were brass MFG'er tags that were attached to a piece of track hardware like a switch, etc. Wharton was the maker. I have seen them with different maker's names and also some marked for the P&R. Yeah, not a luggage tag. Posted Monday, January 29, 2024 by DA

 Q4041 Erie RR Lock  Can anyone tell me what an Erie ER69 key looks like for a Corbin padlock? Trying to find out a key blank number and what the cut looks like. Thanks,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, January 10, 2024 by Joe   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Your question has been up for quite a while but I will try a suggestion. IF you can find a locksmith who still has old Corbin blanks, take the lock in and see if they can find at least the blank for it. This has to be a locksmith that has been in business for a long time and hopefully hasn't tossed the old blanks. A new locksmith business or one of the chain hardware stores that cuts keys is not going to work.  Posted Monday, January 22, 2024 by JMS

A. Hi Joe, I have a similar Corbin lock with the same keyway. I had a key cut for it on an Ilco 1000F CO17 blank. As for the key cut, I have no idea. There were probably several and unless you make contact with someone with the exact same lock as yours with the dame stamp marks it will be difficult. However, an experienced locksmith, either professional or a serious hobbyist can cut a blank by impressioning it with your lock. That's how I got a key made for my Corbin and it works well with this Ilco key. I hope this helps you. Posted Tuesday, January 23, 2024 by Steve B.

A. This is probably a signal lock. There were many different cuts used across the Erie system. See prior Q 3291 about very similar EL signal locks. You can also just enter the words 'signal lock' in the 'search by word or phrase' box (no quotes in the box) to see a LOT of prior discussion about these kinds of locks.  Posted Friday, January 26, 2024 by RJMc

 Q4040 Old GTR Lantern  I came across by accident this lantern. Most people I talk to say it's 1860 era Grand Trunk. Could you shed the light on any info on it? It's intact and I did fire it without the glass. Thanks a million.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, January 10, 2024 by Jon   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Nice globe. Due to its great age you might want to refrain from firing the lantern. Posted Wednesday, January 24, 2024 by Ex Sou Ry

 Q4039 Identifying Builders' Plates  My dad, spent his entire work life with the C&O and its successors. He had quite a fascinating collection comprising mainly items used on the C&O and B&O. The collection included several builders plates that, soon after his death, (tragically) went to a local in-person auction that did not regularly deal with railroadiana. I know almost nothing about builders plates and am curious. I see the plates at auctions fairly often, but have no idea how to tell whether a particular plate was used on the C&O or B&O. Can anyone shed light on this? I would like to locate one from either railroad, but guess that establishing this connection is complicated and that I’m likely to be in over my head. I love reading the questions and answers shared here, and sincerely appreciate any help.  Posted Wednesday, January 10, 2024 by SN   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I do research on builder's plates for collectors all over the country. I have had builder's and number plates in from both the B&O and C&O railroads. Please send me an email at - rjmuldowney@comcast.net - and I will set up a file for you and I would be glad to look for those for you. Posted Tuesday, January 16, 2024 by RJM

A. You may want to pick up a book by William D. Edson titled: Steam Locomotives of the Baltimore and Ohio An All-Time Roster. This will give you a comprehensive list of the builders numbers for all B&ORR steam engines. Hope this helps.  Posted Wednesday, January 24, 2024 by Ex Sou Ry

 Q4038 Kero Lantern Coating  I recently found this in the back of a family storage unit. From looking at the photo you can see the surface is textured. In looking at photos online, I cannot find another with a similar textured surface. It doesn't appear to be rusty because the texture is uniform over the entire lantern. Have you seen anything like this before? The bottom of the lantern has the date marker '2-36' and on the top there is a 'Wabash Ry' marking. Thanks so much for your help,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, December 23, 2023 by John   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Maybe look at Q.2322 where “undercoat” is mentioned in general context, and the question of soda blasting is being covered. So this might be old automotive undercoating used to protect the metal? Posted Saturday, December 23, 2023 by ShastaRoute

A. This also has the look of "texture" or "Wrinkle Finish" paint which was commonly used on some electronic instruments or housings. Texture finish by design was painted on, more recently may be applied by powder coating. The powder coating would provide a much more uniform application on a shape as complicated as a lantern, and would be more likely to adhere to the wires of the bail and frame. Texture finishes are vailable in spray cans (see Link 2), and forms the textured surface as it cures. Getting a good uniform coating of it on a first try is highly unlikely. Now largely replaced with plastic treatments if more than just a smooth painted surface is desired.  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Monday, December 25, 2023 by RJMc

A. First: On an Adlake Kero frame, the 2-36 should mean it was made during the second quarter (April-June) of 1936.... RE: the finish: Frankly, it looks to me like maybe a Non-Railroad person thought a wrinkly finish would look neat. The coating looks so thick as to be gloppy; was it applied this thickly to disguise rust underneath ? or is it good sound metal ? there is no way to tell.... Regardless, this is definitely not a factory finish! The original/factory "finish" would have been plain metal with no coating at all (although I suppose some railroads may have had them painted or done it themselves).... IMHO, RJMc is right on with suggesting this is some sort of textured-finish paint. I would think that the question now is, How to get this stuff off? Depending partly on whether it's an oil base that will respond to paint/rust remover, or a latex coating that won't, it may or may not be worth trying to clean/restore. (Found out the hard way that latex paint is truly wicked to try to remove).... We sell at train shows, and my own best use of this lantern would be to take it in its current condition to one of the mostly model shows and offer it as "train room atmosphere" rather than an authentic, collectible relic (which it truly is, BUT...) Thankfully it sounds like you haven't much invested in it.  Posted Monday, December 25, 2023 by JMS

 Q4037 Diesel Loco Bell?  I’m trying to figure out if this is a diesel locomotive railroad Bell. At the base it measures 13 inches, 12 inches to the top not counting the finial. It weighs about 55 pounds. It is stamped. Thank you very much.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, December 23, 2023 by William   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Bells of about this size were used in many applications, among them diesel locomotives and steam locomotives built late in the steam era (for example, Nickel Plate S3 Berkshires.) They were also used on fire trucks, ships, churches, and places such as the control shacks for movable lift or drawbridges. I note that this bell is not equipped with an air ringer, but instead with a cord tied to the clapper. That causes me to think it is not a locomotive bell, but one of the other types. Looking at the stamping, a search for "DE20" turns up the US Navy Destroyer Escort LeHardy, DE20, which was in service in WW II, and would certainly have a bell very similar to this one, if not this exact one. So far I have not found any photos of the LeHardy close enough to see its bell or how it may have been mounted.  Link 1  Posted Saturday, December 23, 2023 by RJMc

A. Also, the mount is not substantial enough for railroad service; the four fairly small mounting bolts would get ripped out very quickly in the normall banging around that occurs on railroads. This makes fire truck service more likely; and searching for fire truck bell images comes up with several with braided cords very similar to yours. Link 1  Posted Saturday, December 23, 2023 by RJMc

A. Some additional clarification: there are many situations where a locomotive bell must be rung continuously to warn folks in the area; examples: when preparing to move, moving thru a yard or maintenance area, approaching stations, approaching grade crossings. Having to do that manually would distract a crew member from keeping a good lookout and from doing their other duties. So since about 1920 it has been mandatory that all locomotives have bells and with some form of automatic ringer (by state laws, in some cases). Modern locomotives have electronic bells, which still can be "rung" continuously. The non-railroad bells are mostly for ceremonial functions and ringing them manually by hand is perfectly acceptable. Mechanical and electronic sirens have long since replaced the need for warning bells on fire apparatus, but they still carry them for tradition, and occasional ceremonial use. Readily available watches and clocks have eliminated any need to tell time on shipboard by the "Bells" system.  Posted Monday, January 1, 2024 by RJMc

 Q4036 Fixed Globe Marking - CT Co.  I noticed a fixed globe lantern (possibly New England Glass) for sale on E-Bay with the wheel cut letters CT Co. Does anyone know the name of the company these letters represent? Posted Saturday, December 23, 2023 by Dave    Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The Link is to the page here on the RRiana Website where you can enter initials or other parts of RR names to see what the full names might be / have been. There are 6 or 7 listings there for "CT" and there are probably many more in shortlines, construction companies, transit and interurban lines. etc. Link 1  Posted Saturday, December 23, 2023 by RJMc

 Q4035 Electric Adlake Lamp Socket  It is getting harder for me to find complete lamps ... in my price range. I recently acquired two Adlake electric lamps with the missing electrical socket. I was wondering if anyone has a picture of what this type of socket would look like? The picture shows the mounting bracket.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, December 13, 2023 by TC   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q4034 Railroad Globe Markings  Do you have any history as to when globe manufacturers started to making globes that were cast with the small mold lines on each side of the globe? In other words the year of different globe manufacturing changes, i.e cast or blown glass with the lines names that were raised. Globes that the cast RR lines name looks like is cast with a frame around it etc. I'm trying to date a globe that I come across. I want to match the lantern frame age with the globe age. Sometimes I see old frames with modern globes. Thank you and a high ball to you.  Posted Wednesday, December 6, 2023 by TW   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q4033 Cleaning a Hat Badge  I have a Ticket Collector's hat badge from the New Haven RR. I am not sure if it is authentic, although I was assured it is. What is the best way to clean it up/ restore it? The edges are darkened and there is no ink within the lettering. Also what is the proper way to affix it to a new cap? Thanks for any help. Posted Tuesday, December 5, 2023 by John   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. See Link 2 below for the page in the RRiana site archives about badges. It notes that many badges are still being made, some by the original manufacturers, even with the original tooling, so authenticity is very difficult to establish. And I noted in passing that the New Haven seemed to be a very popular 'model' for latterly-produced badges. As to mounting a badge on a hat, there are/were at least three common methods. The badge could have a threaded post or posts extending out the back. Each post is pushed thru the hat and a nut screwed on the back (see link 1 for how the military does it.) Some hats had pre-made holes with metal grommets to receive those posts. In method 2 the badge has/had a round hole on each side. A round-headed split tack is passed thru the hole and the hat, and the split sides are bent over to hold the badge in place. The third method has two narrow rectangular slots in the badge. This is more common on older badges. The tack method can be used, but I have not been able to determine for sure the 'proper' way to use those slots and will be interested to hear if others can confirm how they are/were used. A possibility is that stitches were passed thru the slots and around the edges of the badge, but that is just a guess. The first two methods would be much easier for moving badges as hats wore out, or people got promoted, etc.  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Tuesday, December 5, 2023 by RJMc

A. John, could you post a picture? (See Link 1 - a similar badge, just a different occupation, yours should be brass and the same shape.) ALSO - use a magnifying glass to double check for a maker mark on the back. Look for pale "halos" or rubbing around the holes, which are signs the badge was actually used on a hat - help to prove authenticity. ALSO - May I add to RMc's terrific explanation about attachment options: Having had several New Haven Ticket Collector's badges, I believe his #2 is what you need (there is a round hole on each end of your badge). You will have better luck finding a "round headed split tack" if you go to a good stationery store and ask for a "Paper fastener." (It's essentially the same thing - a flat round head with two prongs to insert through the badge holes then through the holes in the hat, and spread apart when they get inside. Your badge should be brass - these fasteners come in brass. ALSO - As for the lettering, the black in them was not "ink" it was enamel originally. I have had great luck restoring with black artist oil paint (comes in tubes, toothpaste consistency from an art supply store). Wipe the badge with lacquer thinner, brush paint over the letters to fill them, let it dry just a bit and wipe with a clean cloth but don't wipe hard, so the paint stays in the letters. If you mess up just wipe it off with the lacquer thinner.  Link 1  Posted Saturday, December 9, 2023 by JMS

A. John, I found a listing online for comparison with your badge - it's clearly authentic. See Link 1. Note, yours will not necessarily have the same backmark. Several companies made these over the years. Best of luck!  Link 1  Posted Saturday, December 9, 2023 by JMS

 Q4032 Locomotive Numbering  Any information on how steam locomotives were numbered? The plate from the front of the engine is solid brass as are the flagstaffs. See picture. Thanks for any assistance you might offer.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, November 6, 2023 by JG   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. To answer your question, historically there was never any standardization across railroad companies and other entities in how locomotives were numbered, since steam locomotives very seldom left their home line. Every railroad company or entity (such as industries, grain elevators, lumber mills, coal mines, steel mills, sugar refineries, etc etc etc) had the discretion to put almost any ID they wanted on their locomotive(s). Many engines were named instead of numbered. Some numbers were carried over from owner to owner when locomotives were sold, which is how some shortlines which had only a few miles of track and only one or two locomotives had them numbered in the hundreds or thousands series; keeping a prior owner's number saved on repainting and lettering. And most companies or entities at one time or another had an "Old Number One" or a "One Spot." For your specific smokebox door, a couple of thoughts. One clue is the ALCO ID and the 1920 date on the number plate. The apparent size (judging by the dust pan hanging next to it) is fairly small. The brass flag holders and the star decorations suggest a possible foreign line to me--the same (non) rules applied almost around the world, and ALCO shipped steam locomotives world-wide. I tried looking at images of Mexican RR's and industrial lines, but so far nothing close. But someone may recognize that gold star. Do you have any other info about where it might have been used? I would also check the back of the number plate for possible stampings; sometimes a builder's number or a boiler number might be stamped there, and they were much more unique to each locomotive builder. Posted Sunday, November 26, 2023 by RJMc

 Q4031 M Ry Marking  What company does 'M RY' markings stand for? Is it uncommon?  Posted Monday, November 6, 2023 by Jim   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. There are a lot of candidates for this railroad marking. One possibility is the Monongahela Railway. From observation, many if not most of the Monongahela's lanterns were marked "M.Ry Co.", the "Co" being appended to the other letters. However, it's possible that locks, keys and other items did not follow this practice. Posted Tuesday, November 7, 2023 by PEK

A. One of the handy features on this RRiana website is a search feature for railroad names based on the initials used. The Link is to the start page for such searches. If you enter the capital letter M (followed by a space) for the initials (RR or RY is presumed; no need to enter) you will see a list of over 40 North American RR's that could have used just the letter M as their designator. While reporting marks on locomotives and cars are registered for interchange control purposes, and need to be unique to one company, the markings on various RR property were entirely at the discretion of the RR and many were not unique. On some things we will never be able to tell which line may have marked them.  Link 1  Posted Sunday, November 12, 2023 by RJMc

 Q4030 Boston to KeeWeeNaw Pennisula (MI) Train Svc 1872-1905  I am writing a biography of a mechanical engineer that lived in Boston but commuted to Houghton Michigan at least twice a year for nearly 30 years, starting in 1872. He worked for the Calumet and Hecla Mining company. Q1: I would like to know what trains he needed to take, stops he had to make and how that trip evolved into the 20th century. Q2: Could you point me towards a source that describes the traveling options for a middle-class professional (ie, berths, dining, amenities, etc.)? Since he spent so much time on trains, I'm trying to imagine the train workers, fellow travelers and stations he must have encountered again and again. Any guidance much appreciated.  Posted Sunday, October 29, 2023 by EP   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I would assume that for such a long trip this gentleman would have used the long-distance major railroads as much as possible so here is a guess: Using Google Maps the major cities are Boston - Albany NY (Boston & Albany/New York Central RR; Albany-Buffalo NY (New York Central RR); Buffalo - Cleveland OH - Ann Arbor/Detroit MI (NYC-Lake Shore & Michigan Southern); Ann Arbor/Detroit - Houghton MI (Guessing: Great Lakes Central or Michigan Central ? but I'm not familiar enough with the railroad service in the Great Lakes area. Hope someone else here can help.) Likely there may have been a local rail line at the beginning and end of his trip. As far as amenities, Pullman service available on the larger roads would be a good explanation of choices (hopefully he'd be able to use Pullman for the most comfort on such a long trip). If you can find "advertising" brochures from the railroad lines for that time period, they often printed what was available on their trains. As far as stations, public timetables from the period would give a list of stations he would have passed through. And especially since you're writing a biography, please take this constructively as I truly mean it: I'm 70-ish and still recall my high school English teacher drilling it into us that a person is a "who," not a "that," so your man was a mechanical engineer who lived in Boston.  Posted Monday, October 30, 2023 by JMS

A. I meant to include the possibility that this traveler may have traveled from Buffalo NY straight across Canada to the Detroit area where he would have picked up a northbound train. It would have saved a good deal of time, rather than running around the lower end of the lakes through the U.S. but of course would have involved international travel.  Posted Monday, October 30, 2023 by JMS

A. Thank you so much for this information! Posted Tuesday, October 31, 2023 by EP

A. What you really need for this is the services of a Travel Agent, just as your traveller would have needed one. Of course your travel agent will also need the information appropriate to your time period. The Link is to a wonderful resource of historical railroad documents including public timetables, employee timetables, system maps, and other miscellaneous documents which can provide 'color' related to travelling in the past. (For future reference for all, the Link is also featured in the Library/Archives of this RRiana website.) The other outstanding reference is historical Official Guides to the Railways which are available from various sources, including scanned and searchable versions on line. Both independent travel agents and railroad passenger agents provided travel planning services using these documents and either kind of agent could plan, and ticket, and bill one-way or complete trips on the whole network relying on the very effective interline agreements. This meant that an agent in Boston could and would cheerfully issue a single through ticket to Kewaunee,MI, no matter how many RR's (and the Pullman Co.) were involved in any given trip. Larger companies often had their own internal travel offices, but just as today, smaller companies would usually have a longstanding working relationship with an outside agent. I would suggest you consult and recruit a (present day, or maybe retired) travel agent as a consultant for your project, who will enjoy plying their trade in the past tense, so to speak, likely even without getting paid to do it. Another great source for stories of travel would be the personal diaries of travellers from the time, if you can locate them. Some diary-keepers write down EVERYTHING. Link 1  Posted Sunday, November 5, 2023 by RJMc

A. What terrific further ideas, RJMc! especially the suggestion about station agents acting as travel agents. I would think that since this was a regular trip for so many years (although only twice yearly) surely the gentleman would have made acquaintances with agents who indeed could book him through the entire route to the end, and very likely others along the way where he would change trains.  Posted Sunday, November 12, 2023 by JMS

 Q4029 Sign Identification  Can anyone tell me what the purpose of this sign/signal was? It’s a steel rectangle painted yellow with two round holes, Approximately 16” x 20” and mounted on a steel rod. I’m pretty sure an illustration appears in a Boston & Maine rule book, which I can’t seem to locate. It may appear in other rule books. Thank you for any help!   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, October 29, 2023 by JMS   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The Link is to an excellent site containing a wealth of info about North American railroad signal practices, including scans of many rule books with color illustrations of indications. The site includes all of the signal-related info from a Boston and Maine rule book from 1931. On page 111 of that book they show a "Reduce Speed" and a "Slow" sign, both metal painted yellow mounted on posts. The sign shapes are not rectangular. The reduce speed sign is supposed to show the intended speed limit. I suspect your sign is a more modern, simplified version (just plain old rectangular) and the single metal rod makes it look to me as if it was used portable, maybe to protect temporary track work zones. The holes may have been used to hang lanterns, or may just have been to keep the wind or the backdraft of passing trains from blowing the sign over.  Link 1  Posted Thursday, November 2, 2023 by RJMc

A. Thank you RJMc for such insights, it is truly kind of you. I actually got a response from the B&M Historical Society: "The yellow painted steel item is a switch--more properly known as a turnout--target. It was mounted on a heavy steel rod on the switch mechanism. When the track was lined straight, the target was nearly invisible, as being viewed end on by the crew. When the track was lined curved, the target was in full view, thus confirming same to the crew. Some targets were at ground level as shown; others were 3-4 feet in the air depending upon the location and situation." They actually included a photo of an identical sign at ground level, rectangular like mine, except mine is attached to the "3-4 foot steel post" they described.  Posted Sunday, November 12, 2023 by JMS

A. the B&M Historical Society response is interesting, and a very unusual practice as described. Did they say what years (or eras?) this might have applied to? Posted Saturday, November 18, 2023 by RJMc

A. To clarify my comments above, having switch targets is not at all unusual and all RR's have them in one form or another. The only unusual part is having only one "flag" to show the switch position and using the color yellow for it is unusual among RR's in my experience; maybe this was used on yard track rather than a main line.  Posted Friday, November 24, 2023 by RJMc

 Q4028 B&O Reed & Barton Piece  I was hoping you could help me with this. I know it is a silver plated piece made by Reed & Barton with a date code for 1929. But I don't know what it was used for. It measures about 2.75 in. tall and is about 2 in. x 1.5 in. wide. I was told it may possibly be for toothpicks or cigarettes and also that is might be an individual sugar holder. Thank for you whatever assistance you can spare.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, October 16, 2023 by BF   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. This piece might also have been used to hold the stubby yellow "lead" pencils traditionally used by dining car patrons to write their orders on the provided order tickets. The matre'd handed out a ticket to each diner who wrote down their own order; the maitre'd picked up the completed ticket, read the order back to the diner to confirm the selection(s), then forwarded the ticket into the kitchen to have the order prepared. Both at the tables and in the kitchen, that system avoided a LOT of repeats and mis-communication otherwise likely on a dining car often proceding down the railroad at 80 or more mph and often in a fairly noisy ambient environment.  Posted Wednesday, October 18, 2023 by RJMc

A.  Is there a pattern number on the bottom (maybe 1400 or 0143) ? This design is a perfect match for the pieces in the wonderful photos of B&O silver and table settings shown on pp. 74-75 of "Silver in the Diner" (John Fowler). I am quite sure this is a toothpick holder. It would seem to be a bit too old for sugar packets.I can't believe it is a cigarette holder - that would be a rather uncouth way to "serve" cigarettes, standing on end out in the open. RJMc's interesting suggestion about a pencil holder would be a good possibility for a railroad that didn't use menu holders with attached "tubes" to hold pencils, usually one at each corner (Link 1)  Link 1  Posted Sunday, October 22, 2023 by JMS

 Q4027 Square MKT Lantern Base  I have many railroad items that are new to me which I was given by my Mother-in-law. These were collected by my late FIL over decades alongside the late Bob Read. I love historical items and enjoy learning as much as I can. With that, I have approx. 25 lanterns and have dove into how they are constructed, variations, and styles. This particular lantern is a Handlan tall globe but what I'm unable to find is another example of the squared shape of the guards/base. And there is no patent number on it. Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated!   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, October 16, 2023 by CM   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. We've never seem this type of frame before, either. The obvious guess is that the shape was done to make it fit somewhere that round would not. I just looked through the Handlan section in "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Railroad Lighting: V 1: The Railroad Lantern" (Barrett/Gross) and every example has SIX uprights and there is no mention of any square wires. We initially thought maybe the square bottom shape was a custom job by an individual, but because there are only four uprights it looks like the entire frame is "different," not just the base. Also, from the quality of workmanship, it looks like the frame was manufactured that way and would have been too complicated for someone's project. So the other suggestion is, does this lid belong on this frame, or was the original lid switched to the Katy lid by a previous owner ?  Posted Monday, October 23, 2023 by JMS

A. FOLLOW UP - I found one!! Pictured in "Railroadiana II: The Offcial Price Guide for 2011 and Beyond" (Sue Knous) pages 362-363, Fig. 2784 is a flat top Handlan wire bottom frame with FOUR vertical wires not six. The bottom base wire is round, not square. The lantern is marked ICRR (Illinois Central). So the guess at this point is that the frame was made that way, but somebody squared the bottom wire for some reason.  Posted Monday, October 23, 2023 by JMS

A. Over 50 years I have run into a few of these 'square' frames. They are fairly scarce. Road marks I specifically recall are the 2 mentioned. ICRR and MK&T. These are late period tall globes made in the 1920's. The one you show is in beautiful shape, great patina, never been ruined by cleaning.  Posted Wednesday, October 25, 2023 by James

A. James - Thank you (!!) for the correction and additional information. These must be quite rare - I was surprised that there is no mention in the Barrett book. Now we know for sure !! It was really good of you to post about actual sightings.  Posted Friday, October 27, 2023 by JMS

 Q4026 Torch Identification?  This was my father’s. He was a fireman on the Union Railroad. It would have had a long wooden handle. He said it was either used to light a burner or to thaw something.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, September 20, 2023 by Don   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. See prior Q 3487 and other Q's referenced there. The Link is to the New York Central RR-produced motion picture about servicing steam locomotives; look at abt. 10 minutes in to see detailed views of using an open-flame torch in a roundhouse to check for air brake system leaks. Yours would have been used the same way. Like anything else around the RR, these would get used for all kinds of jobs (thawing something, etc) but it really didn't produce enough light or heat to be very useful for that; inspecting things would have been its main use. Link 1  Posted Friday, September 22, 2023 by RJMc

 Q4025 Barrel Globe Green over Clear  I have a barrel globe green over clear. I am wanting to match it to the correct lantern. Its dimensions are 2 5/8 inches at top green outside; 3 1/4 inches at bottom clear outside, and 5 1/4 inch tall. What lantern should this belong to?   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, September 20, 2023 by GS   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Really nice globe that is fairly hard to find in good shape. The Macbeth pearl glass 223 or “barrel globe” will fit perfectly in to a Keystone Casey. Posted Sunday, September 24, 2023 by Ex Sou Ry

 Q4024 #39 Star Lantern  I need some help. Chimney dome not stamped, instead has a brass tag or (I believe it's copper). Question One: does anyone know why? Maybe salesmen sample, or for a trade show? Question Two: note the twist of the wire where bail attaches, almost identical to the Rayo 39 WB, same goes for the chimney dome. I can’t find any info that links the two companies. Any help would be appreciated.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, September 20, 2023 by Jeff   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q4023 Badge Info Needed  I was looking for a wee bit of information regarding this item. Would you be able to tell me who manufactured it, what time period it came from and what rank of officer would have worn it? Is it a common type of badge or quite rare? I would be very grateful if you could assist. And may I add as someone who has just recently took an interest in the history of American railroads It looks absolutely fascinating. With kind regards,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, August 26, 2023 by JRB, Glasgow Scotland UK   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Look at Q. 960 using the archive search boxes (just enter the number itself). There’s info. in the reply to the query. Posted Tuesday, September 5, 2023 by ShastaRoute

 Q4022 Old NYC Certificate  Just wondering if there was any information out there about this certificate. Found in my in-laws house.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, August 20, 2023 by Jo   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I wish I could help but this sounds like a difficult assignment. Albert Pratt is not the commonest name, but it is not rare enough to make the search easy. You might inquire of the NYCS Historical Society (Link 1), maybe they can provide at least some kind of lead. I checked FINDAGRAVE for Albert Pratt born in NY before 1900 (Start with the state in which this was found) and got "too many" results (Link 2). Findagrave isn't perfect, many graves aren't represented. I would look in states where the NYC&HRR ran, not in Maryland. The only other thing I can think of is Ancestry.com, which I believe includes newspaper articles (there could be a congratulatory announcement in his home town?) or possibly newspapers.com A last straw - was this a relative? or possibly a prior resident of the house before your in-laws in which case you might try looking through earlier deeds for the property or even US Census records that could contain useful information. Good luck - !!  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Tuesday, August 22, 2023 by JMS

A.  Not a relative , was just curious that I can’t seem to find much if anything about the railway special agents .thank you for your input. Posted Wednesday, August 23, 2023 by Joe

A. For as long as it ran there surely doesn't seem to be much information as there should be about the NYC&HRR. It lasted from 1869-1914. I google searched "International Association of Railway Special Agents and Police" and found it started in 1896 - but not much else about it. Railroad police of course are still active. Obviously our man was a railroad policeman/special agent, doing safety and security work for the NYC&HRR. It's curious the certificate was issued in 1915, with the NYC&HRR reorganizing/ed into the New York Central in 1914. It's clear his IARSAP membership was effective but did he retire? or stay on with the newly reorganized line? It would have been a hike for him to have attended a meeting in Maryland. Link 2 is a google search for job duties - apparently Special Agents were police officers who additionally took proactive safety and security duties such as investigating public safety incidents which occurred on railroad property and other projects such as taking messages to schools, businesses and civic organizations.  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Saturday, August 26, 2023 by JMS

A. I just found this really terrific article about the history of the Railroad Police - Link 1. It's a great read, beginning with wild west outlaws in the 1860s.  Link 1  Posted Saturday, August 26, 2023 by JMS

A. The 1914 change on the "New York Central" was really just a re-branding, not a merger or re-organization. It would not have affected people at the operations level -- such as a railroad policeman -- much at all. Under common Vanderbilt ownership and control, the New York Central and other subsidiaries such as the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern and the NY&HR had been running through service from New York City to Chicago since 1878. The subsidiary railroad names continued to get used for a very long time on many things, first under the "New York Central Lines" banner and the subsequent "New York Central System" banner, so its not unusual to see NY&HR named in 1915, and also not unusual to see much separate history on what was only a subsidiary of the the much bigger operation.  Posted Saturday, August 26, 2023 by RJMc

A. And as to Baltimore, I see that the certificate was issued at Baltimore, where the organization's Secretary/Treasurer, and likely the organization's main office, were based. Not clear Mr. Pratt ever needed to go there; he probably got the certificate in the mail. Posted Saturday, August 26, 2023 by RJMc

 Q4021 B&O Marked Goblets  Good day! My husband and I came across 4 of these glasses and purchased two. Does anyone know how I can find info on the reverse image, or why and when these were made? It say in cursive, large, 'Chimes', and just below, DEEDS NOT WORDS. The B&O side wording is 'Baltimore & Ohio, with stop-over privilege'. The gold leaf has a griffin on each side of the B&O emblem with various lines and decoration. Thank you.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, August 19, 2023 by JBD   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Trademark filed (Link 1) in 2010. Vacated circa 2018. Chimes acts as agency related to developmental disabilities, apparently employment/education/etc.. Too late for actual B&O railroad connection, but maybe museum/historical entity? Old logos/emblems might still have been controlled by CSX but this stuff rarely is tightly enforced. Link 1  Posted Saturday, August 19, 2023 by ShastaRoute

A. Here is a YouTube video (Link 1) About Chimes. I'm wondering if someone had glassware made up for a fundraiser or celebration of some sort. But why use the B&O connection is a complete mystery.Link 2 is to a website selling an Old Fashioned style glass with a logo. "Deeds Not WOrds" apparently was a rallying cry of early suffragettes. If you're interested, do a Google search for "deeds not words."  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Sunday, August 20, 2023 by JMS

 Q4020 Porcelain RR Sign?  A few months back, I was at my favorite antique store and came across a colbalt blue porcelain sign with the word 'West Port' spelled out in all caps. Since I collect railroad memorabilia, the price was right, and this sign definitely wasn’t a road sign as it was single side, I decided to pick it up. I was wondering if this came from the railroad or is a geographical location sign and if so which railroad did it come from? My guess it might have been used at a depot. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, August 17, 2023 by Andrew   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. It would be helpful to know the size, and what geographical area it came from.  Posted Thursday, August 17, 2023 by RJMc

A. The sign is 29” long by 7” wide. I purchased the sign at one of my favorite antique/junk stores in Greenville, SC. However, the person purchased at a flea market in Maryland off a picker from Baltimore which has a neighborhood called Westport. I hope this helps.  Posted Thursday, August 17, 2023 by Andrew D

A. I am sorry to be negative, but without any railroad connection it is just too "general purpose" and can't be positively identified with any railroad connection. This is a really nice sign in super condition and a great display, but its background is just too hazy. Pickers get around, who knows where the person who sold it to the Baltimore picker got it. A quick Google search ( Link 1) yielded several results including "an ambitious and developing collection of 5 distinct communities" in Port Charlotte FL and a West Port High School in Ocala, FL. There surely must be others. This sign looks like many I have seen mounted on entry pillars or gate posts to places like a housing complex, an industrial area or commerce park, designating an entry location rather than a specific place. It's really interesting with the TWO words - I can't see anyone making a sign for WESTPORT (one word) with two words and a space between, that's just too much of an error. I do hope you can find something concrete about it.  Link 1  Posted Sunday, August 20, 2023 by JMS

A. Westport, Maryland is an area just south of downtown Baltimore. It has a lot of railroad and interurban history. The Western Maryland and a B&O branch both pass thru; but I have not seen them use signs of this style. The Washington Baltimore and Annapolis Electric RR, the original Baltimore and Annapolis, and the successor Baltimore and Annapolis also had station stops there (first stop after leaving Baltimore) and freight stations as well. And the Baltimore streetcar system served that location. But all of them seemed to spell it as one word, and I haven't located any photos which show any kind of station with a sign. However, the currently operating Baltimore Light Rail system DOES have a station and they use blue signs with white lettering (see Link). They operate on the right of way established and operated by the former interurban lines. So there are some possibilities, but nothing definite. Link 1  Posted Monday, August 21, 2023 by RJMc

A. Ah -- but the Westport on the modern Maryland sign is one single word. I was specifically looking for two words with a space between. That said, more-modern "folk" tend to shortcut / abbreviate / modernize / condense. (But I know nothing about the history of the area.) I wonder if the small sign was made (1) At a time when West Port was two words, which has since morphed into a more modern one word (like the "h" has been dropped from so many cities ending in "burg"); or (2) With a space deliberately in the middle for what should have been one single word, as a place for an attachment to mount it on a pole. Posted Tuesday, August 22, 2023 by JMS

A. For its size, and being a Porcelain enamel type sign, it certainly appears to be very much a city street sign. I have several local signs in Roanoke, Va. that are very much like this. As JMS posted, the space between words might have been for it to have been posted on a pole. I doubt it would be a lineside location sign due to its size, and it would be easily damaged by shooters or rock-throwers if placed in a remote area.  Posted Monday, October 9, 2023 by KLM

 Q4019 Adlake #100 Kero Lanterns  I can’t find any info on the Adlake Kero no.100 lanterns.  Posted Wednesday, August 16, 2023 by George B   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Barrett's Illustrated Encyclopedia of RR Lighting Vol.1 in its Adlake section mentions the Model 100 only twice, with most info in a pcture caption which says that a Model 100 was identical to the Reliable, introduced about 1912, except for being set up for a different sized (4") globe. The subsequent 200 Model was intoduced only a few years later apparently as a response to WW I requirements so probably very few Model 100's were made -- which explains hardly any mention of them in most references.  Posted Friday, August 18, 2023 by RJMc

A.  See Q1968 on the Q&A Board posted October 13,2010 by me, and answers. Posted Monday, August 21, 2023 by CK

A.  I also might add that my #100 is a Southern Railway lantern with a clear casted Southern Railway globe. Hope this info helps.  Posted Monday, August 21, 2023 by CK

 Q4018 ALCO-COOKE builder plate number 39132  I have a 7 in. x 14 in. builders plate number 39132. I live in the Republic of Panama. Was this a steam engine? What was it purpose in Panama? What material is this plate? Thank you very much,  Posted Sunday, July 16, 2023 by Tom S   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Built as Isthmus Canal Affairs 2-6-0 number 611 this locomotive was used in the construction of the Panama canal Posted Sunday, July 16, 2023 by Santafeboy

A. Should be either bronze or brass if a magnet sticks to it then it is cast iron Posted Sunday, July 16, 2023 by Santafeboy

 Q4017 Santa Fe Courier Nurse Poster  Can anyone tell me some information about this item? Found inside a wall in my grandparents house, so the condition is pretty poor. It's large, about 4' x 3' and on a thick, cardboard like material. I haven't found anything from an internet search so hoping someone with an interest knows more about it. Thanks in advance!   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, July 13, 2023 by CP   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The Santa Fe made a big selling point of the onboard courier nurse program. See the Link for an initial quick discussion of how the Santa Fe Railway assigned "Courier Nurses" to their long-haul passenger trains, as a way to encourage travel by families and particularly to assist (often unaccompanied) women and children. While sleeping car passengers always could call on the porter, coach passengers often needed assistance as well. Since those trains ran between Chicago and the West Coast, a thru trip took two and one-half days or longer and all kinds of things came up on the way. The Scout was a particular Santa Fe named train. The Super Chief and El Capitan also had courier nurses. Several other railroads also had onboard hostesses,"Zephyrettes" on the Burlington.  Link 1  Posted Thursday, July 13, 2023 by RJMc

A. The Link below has more info about the Scout train, including how the Santa Fe marketing targeted "family" or "economy" travellers on the Scout while trains such as the Super Chief targeted "elegant travel".  Link 1  Posted Thursday, July 13, 2023 by RJMc

A. The history of train nurses was covered in a pamphlet sized journal issue by the NRHS (Nat. Ry Hist. Soc.) some years back. IIRC, it began with Union Pacific using registered nurses and spread to the other roads quickly. (The first airline stewardesses, replacing the early male stewards, began on United A/L which UP happened to be an investor in before the feds got involved in finding new ways to make a big mess.) Eventually, the registration requirements were lightened as these women became more of a nurse/hostess. You’ll notice your nurse here is outfitted very much in the airline style of the era. (There were even railroad travel bags issued by the same people doing the airline overnight grips. Even the Disneyland Monorail got those.) Playing the role of part time babysitter/child care provider seems to have been part of that job. I guess if Judy Garland had made a musical about it, we might have seen more written on the subject. But back then in the ‘30’s it was a big deal which even involved some radio broadcast stuff. Posted Tuesday, July 18, 2023 by ShastaRoute

A. Despite the overall poor condition, the best part is pretty good. I can't recall ever seeing another ATSF Nurse poster - and I do watch posters. Surely even this tattered there is some kind of value. Do try to flatten it out and take care of it, if you can. Also , see Link 1 for an ATSF Nurse advertisement. Link 2 is terrific information about the "COURIER NURSES." Best wishes !  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Tuesday, July 18, 2023 by JMS

A. University of Virginia Flashback Friday general article on the train nurses (Link1) with photo gallery [Santa Fe not mentioned specifically]. BTW, great find! Link 1  Posted Wednesday, July 19, 2023 by ShastaRoute

A. Thank you all for the responses and information, I appreciate it. :) Posted Monday, August 21, 2023 by CP

 Q4016 Steam Loco or Traction Headlight?  I would be very grateful for help in identifying this headlight. The housing looks like it was originally made for a kerosene lamp, perhaps modified in its working life with the addition of the Pyle National electric light, but that is just a guess. Thanks very much for your help with determining just what type or types I have and the approximate date. The overall height is about 36 inches and the box is about 24 wide x 24 deep. The chimney or vent has three glass sides, which I haven't seen in any I could find online. Thanks again.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, July 4, 2023 by Donald L   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. This looks to me like something which would have been used on work equipment, such as a snow plow. The folks associated with work equipment would be the kind of people who would make a conversion such as sticking in the Pyle electric headlight into something already on hand. For that kind of use the headlight would likely have been permanently mounted. See Link for a pic of a railroad snow plow train in 1890. Note the headlight on the plow, and also the headlight on the following engine -- both similar to your unit. For interurban or streetcar use (and some of them also had snow plows), the headlights often had flat strap hooks on the back, because they were installed and removed daily as cars were assigned to runs. Does this unit have anything like that? Link 1  Posted Tuesday, July 4, 2023 by RJMc

A. Here's another Link to a second very similar snow plow pic. I suspect that in the original headlight application, the glass panels may have been number boards. But its not clear how the illumination would have gotten up to them. Link 1  Posted Tuesday, July 4, 2023 by RJMc

A. Some further review turns up quite a few pix of interurban electric passenger cars in the 1890 to 1910 time frame routinely using the large boxy headlights such as yours before it was modified(see link for a 1905 pic in Ohio.) That was apparently before high-wattage regular headlight bulbs became available and arc headlights required more "care and feeding." But on work equipment old hardware often soldiered on for decades and as mentioned above, the work crews had the facilities, the time, and the inclination (but usually not a budget) so they rebuilt things with the materials on hand. So as the pix show, either a regular railroad or a traction source is quite possible. Link 1  Posted Wednesday, July 5, 2023 by RJMc

A. Do you know any of the history of your lamp, such as where it might have been used?? My comments above come from the appearance of your lamp looking like it was used more or less recently. However, a look thru the Pennsylvania RR Power book, just for example, shows that the PRR alone in 1917 had probably HUNDREDS of locomotives with the boxy oil type headlights on all kinds of engines; and apparently even continued building new locos that way as late as 1917. That despite the fact that electric headlights had already been available for many years. 1917 is also when the US RR Administration (USRA) took over all US RR's so the US Gov't could support fighting World War I. Congress also passed some kind of law about then governing railroad headlights. By 1921 (only 4 years later), every new PRR locomotive was coming out with a steam-driven turbogenerator and the more compact electric headlights. MANY of the boxy oil lamps on PRR locos were converted in that time period to electric lamps and the boxy headlights continued in use for many more years. This experience was probably similar on most US railroads. So once again, there are many possibilities where your lamp may have originated.  Posted Friday, July 7, 2023 by RJMc

A. If I were a “betting man” (which I am not) I’d say this was used something like a steam tractor. It doesn’t appear to be heavy enough for use on a locomotive.  Posted Friday, July 14, 2023 by Ex Sou Ry

 Q4015 SRy Lock Question  Here is a photo of my collection of padlocks from the Southern Railway. I have a good idea of where most of these locks were used, with the exception of the smaller Yale lock on the right of the photo which has the key in it and the lock is in the open position. What purpose did this smaller Yale lock have on that railway? It takes the same flat key as the larger version Yale lock to the left, which I know for sure was an old switch lock. Was this smaller-sized lock also a switch lock back in the day or was it used as some kind of signal or tool house lock? Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, June 20, 2023 by Steve   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I have a vague recollection that there were some applications (such as some types of switch mechanisms that crews needed to operate) where the much larger, fatter lock body just wouldn't fit. The extra-heavy hasp on the smaller lock makes clear it was also used for high-security functions even though the lock body is smaller.  Posted Tuesday, June 20, 2023 by RJMc

A. The top lock is obviously a signal box lock. The other three are switch locks. The Yale locks predate the N.S. merger and the high security locks used today. The one with the S.R. and arrow is the older design. It can be found in two varieties with two different key cuts. One for Eastern System and one for Lines West.  Posted Tuesday, June 27, 2023 by Ex Sou Ry

A. Thanks very much fellas for your insight into these vintage locks, it's appreciated!  Posted Friday, June 30, 2023 by Steve B.

 Q4014 Handlan Caboose Marker Lantern  I have had my unrestored Handlan Caboose Marker lantern for 40+ years, so it’s about time to get about restoring it. I am unfamiliar with the proper nomenclature, but I want to take the top off. When I flip up the lid, it appears there is a twist off arrangement…but it is rusty and won’t budge. I don’t want to muscle it. Can anyone offer me some info? Thanks  Posted Tuesday, June 20, 2023 by Lou   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. To make life simple, the Archives here on the Railroadiana site include a complete catalog of Handlan railroad lighting products from 1956. On page 3 (see link) is an "exploded" illustrated view of a completely torn-down caboose marker lamp, to show what various parts could be purchased from Handlan to replace worn out, corroded, or damaged parts from service use. The only part I recall which was not immediately separable was the flat spring cap latch, which was spot-welded onto the cap and could be replaced only by spot-welding on another. Those parts are not shown as separable in the diagram. Railroads often had shops dedicated to refurbishing this type of lamp since thousands of switch lamps were in use which were essentially identical to the markers except for mounting arrangements. Note also in the other catalogs in the Archives that the RR's forced considerable standardization on the various lamp manufacturers; so in many cases replacement parts supplied by one manufacturer fitted just as well into someone else's product, keeping the whole process very economical for the RR. So if you need replacement parts, it is perfectyly 'prototypical" to use any parts that fit regardless of manufacturer.  Link 1  Posted Tuesday, June 20, 2023 by RJMc

A. Thanks so much! I managed to twist out what appears to be part "I". Can you tell me how 29 is fastened to the body? It looks like it is riveted. Thanks again!  Posted Thursday, June 22, 2023 by LH

 Q4013 What To Do with Several RR Locks?  Thanks for helping me ID the Miller RR lock. I was given a box of RR locks and keys by a retired RR worker. He said they were tossed out when the yard he worked at was shut down and the RR became part of a larger RR. I see 100's of examples listed on a well known auction/sale site, but they shut me down saying it's illegal? Some forums say that it is illegal and some say not if they are from defunct RRs. Only 1 piece is marked with an existing RR. I see so many places selling them. I have several without keys. Are there any issues with selling locks without keys? Only one of the lot of extra 'barrel' keys is marked with a RR name; the rest are just numbered. May I sell them? I WAS thinking of starting to collect RR locks, but I have so much RR ephemera items now, I realized that I probably shouldn’t start collecting these large, heavy, and expensive pieces. Is there a site dedicated to RR locks that I might find people interested in them? Thanks again for your time and any suggestions.  Posted Monday, June 12, 2023 by Karl   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Illegal? BALONEY. It is not against any law to sell used railroad locks/keys. YES the "biggest online auction site" prohibits railroad KEYS but they allow LOCKS (Link 1). HOWEVER You have to be careful listing locks, to NOT MENTION the word "SWITCH" because those are still prohibited. On other venues - You can go right ahead and sell any railroadiana lock/key on Etsy.com, RubyLane.com or other online sites, or consign them to an auctioneer who will sell them for you (pick one who sells online). That said - just because something is "railroad" doesn't mean it is "expensive." Railroad markings make all the difference. No railroad mark? Not worth the time and trouble to list because there is no proof of original ownership. To paraphrase, If it looks like a RR lock/key, walks like a RR lock/key and quacks like a RR lock/key, it may NOT necessarily be a RR lock or key, because multitudes of non-railroad companies/individuals bought "railroad grade" hardware, or ordered equipment directly from the production companies to use on non-RR operations; and there is no way now to distinguish which is or is not actual railroad owned. Lastly, the only issue I can think of as far as selling a lock without a key, is that it won't bring nearly as much money as a complete set.  Link 1  Posted Tuesday, June 13, 2023 by JMS

A. I apologize for being so blunt in my prior answer... I should have been more empathetic. As for "illegal" - Please correct me if I am mistaken, but I can't find anywhere that selling railroad equipment is against the law, unless it is stolen property. "Prohibited" (not allowed) is a different situation, and a website can prohibit anything it wants. I was selling on that big online auction site and got caught up in the "prohibited" locks and keys situation when it first happened. Suddenly, RR locks and keys were not allowed, and sellers were discovering their listings were being ended/removed. When I inquired, the answer I got was that because of 9-1-1, the Bush administration wanted the big auction to help safeguard the U.S. transportation infrastructure by not allowing "switch" locks and keys (and other things) that could be used to sabotage railroad operations. The auction site since relented somewhat and is now allowing most locks but not keys. You see key listings because many new sellers do not know this. Everyone I know agrees that this prohibition is nonsensical, if only because similar kinds of working locks and keys are readily available.  Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2023 by JMS

A. Karl, there is a terrific Facebook group (Link 1) on railroad locks/keys that you should check out. As far as seeing all those auction listings of similar items, scrutinize them. What wording is used (or not used); which category (probably not "railroad") are most in? you'd want to list there. Check your own wording - do not mention the word "key" or the word "switch" which apparently trigger bots to pick up negatively. Most importantly, bookmark listings and keep track of which actually make it through to a sale. Good luck !!  Link 1  Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2023 by JMS

 Q4012 Miller RR Lock ID?  I collect railroad pieces but mostly paper items and I came across this lock that I paid $30 for it because it looks more unusual. My brother worked for the MPRR/UPRR for years and gave me a box of locks and keys. This lock peaked my interest. The lock I just acquired is a Miller from Philadelphia. I looked around and couldn’t find this style Miller lock so my question is: is it a good piece to start collecting? Thanks for your time and any info,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, June 11, 2023 by Karl   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. This steel lock is known is a “banjo lock” because of the shape. The So Ry. marking for the Southern Railway System. Any piece that you like is a good way to start collecting but you have to make some decisions like: Where do you go from here? Do you only collect steel locks or include brass as well? Do you only collect locks from Southern Ry? Do you stick with Banjo locks or do you include heart shape locks? On and on… My best advice is to get with an experienced “lock guy” who can teach you “the ropes”. Then decide what you are collecting and only buy the best QUALITY pieces you can afford.  Posted Monday, June 12, 2023 by Ex Sou Ry

 Q4011 RR Button?  I live in the UK and am trying to identify a button which I think is from either a US railroad or road car company uniform. Its brass with a block letter N set inside a five pointed star on a lined background, 24mm diameter with American Rly Supply Co Park Place NY backmark. Any ideas would be gratefully received.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, June 7, 2023 by Nigel   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Northern Steamship Company, owned by the Great Northern Railway, in operation 1888 - 1916. Posted Wednesday, June 7, 2023 by DA

A. Many thanks for that, much appreciated. Nigel. Posted Thursday, June 8, 2023 by Nigel

 Q4010 Fuel Pot Number for Erie Lackawanna Lamps   I have 3 adlake EL (Erie Lakawanna) lamps that are missing the burner/fuel pots. I need to know the number of the fuel pot if someone would be so kind. Thanks,  Posted Wednesday, June 7, 2023 by Bruce   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. There are many different kinds of Adlake lamps and lanterns, many different ones probably used by EL. We need more specifics and/or photos of the lamps or lanterns before we can begin to answer your question. That said, you can look in the Archives on this RRiana site (see Link) to see many older and more recent Adlake catalogs, many with spare parts drawings and listings if you can recognize the models of your lamps or lanterns.  Link 1  Posted Friday, June 9, 2023 by RJMc