Bidspirit auction | New York Chicago and St.

New York Chicago and St. Louis Railway Nickel Plate Road Brass Railroad Switch Key - This antique brass railroad key is attributed to the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railway, commonly referred to as the Nickel Plate Road. The circular bow is stamped with the characters N Y C & S T L R Y and an additional character S, signifying its function as a switch key. The key is constructed from cast brass and features a hollow cylindrical barrel with a single-sided bit containing two rectangular notches. The reverse side of the bow is plain and does not bear any manufacturer marks, patent dates, or serial numbers. The key exhibits a dark, aged patina with surface wear, minor nicks, and abrasions consistent with historic use in a railroad environment. The stamped lettering remains clear and legible. There is moderate wear on the bit and barrel edges from regular use within lock mechanisms. No cracks, repairs, or structural distortions are present.