Posted 13 years ago
mvtonovr
(1 item)
Hello everyone, I am posting pictures of a railroad crossing sign that I picked up some time back. I would like to know if anyone knows what year or era this thing would be from. Also what it might be worth. And is it better to let it be unrestored or would restoring it be better. It is really a cool piece of history
Thanks, Chris Folkston, Ga.
Your sign is actually from the Pennsylvania Railroad. Somehow it migrated south to you but, undoubtly a PRR cast sign. From the 1900-1920 era.
I would leave it as-is, sheltered. Use it as the subject of some experimental photography, colorize it that way. Also, get some large art paper and get some kids to go wild with crayons, doing some rubbings. You'll love the results.
Thanks for the info and comments guys! Thats really neat that it is from Pennsylvania RailRoad. I was born in Gettysburg.
I think the crayon rubbings would be really cool!
Thanks Again!
If this were mine, I'd have it sand-blasted and repaint it in the original colors, black and white. Rust is the enemy! Cleaning it and repainting will preserve it for many more years. Plus, it'll look better and won't effect the value.
I agree with Larry Davis I would media blast and paint back to black and white.I have restored several cast iron crossing signs and they are really fantastic.The work repainting must be done by hand but it is worth it.This sign is very special and rare I have only seen pictures of this sign never an actual sign please consider fixing it so it will be able to be seen for generations from now
Larry and Tony, you must be reading my mind. I have been getting ready to move the sign into my shop and restore it. It appears to to have some red on it in the area of look out. I dont know if this is original or not. Still trying to find a picture of one with original colors. Thanks for the comments!
Nice find Chris! I have one restored according to PRR plans from 1912. I'll posting a picture of it.