Bidspirit auction | Two New York Central System

Two New York Central System NYCS Brass Railroad Switch Keys by Adlake - This lot features two vintage brass railroad switch keys attributed to the New York Central System (NYCS). Both examples are hollow barrel-style keys with rectangular notched bits. One key is stamped with the letters N.Y.C.S. on one side of the bow and the characters T and H on the reverse. The second key is stamped N.Y.C.H. on the bow, with the reverse side bearing the manufacturer name ADLAKE and the numeric sequences 5165 and S294. The markings identify these as hardware produced by the Adams and Westlake company, a primary supplier for the railroad industry. Both keys show signs of age and service wear. The key marked N.Y.C.S. has a darkened, aged brass patina with minor surface abrasions. The key marked N.Y.C.H. displays significant green verdigris oxidation and surface pitting. There are no visible structural cracks or repairs to the shafts or bits of either item.