TagTown American Railway Supply Questionable
Page
A fellow collector from out west
eMailed me about the NCNG tag that is pictured below (bottom image) in
the summer of 2001. This tag was acquired on eBay. It seems that there
was one seller turning up rare western tags (Nevada County Narrow Gauge,
Yosemite Valley Way tags), however, they had some common characteristics:
-
All show either W.W.Wilcox or American Railway Supply Co.
hallmark
-
All have almost sequential numbers (incredible coincidence)
in the 2700 range
-
Some have initials with large serif letters, others have
block letters and RR name partially spelled out
-
Note the larger than normal periods used in the RR initials
on the one below
This is the new controversy as of 12/2001. Personally I would
avoid purchasing any tags with these hallmarks and have a serial
number close to one pictured below and have large periods or mixed
lettering. In addition check your tags for large periods! Because there
was more than one listed at one time, this seemed like more than a coincidence
to the savvy collector.
eBay has been a great place to find some one-of-a-kind
items, however, it is also a place where people will unknowingly (knowingly)
peddle questionable items. Before bidding, make sure your seller will offer
a "return privilege". Even if you have to pay eBay fees, it's better than
getting caught with your pants down.
I am in the process of investigating similar tags. Once
I have further details and permission from other collectors on this topic,
I'll post the information. Keep watching this page.
email me with any
information on this type of tag
| Wilcox
- California Pacific RR - Questionable Exampple |
|
|
Note the number series (again). Note the poor strike of the RR
name. And the use of plain and serif letters in the RR name "CAL"
& "PACIFIC RR".
This tag would not have made it into circulation in this condition.
Watch for numbers in this range. Please report any additional tags with
this numbering to me. I have several Wilcox tags, however, none of my hallmarks
have the wide gap between WILCOX and
CHICAGO. Yes this could
be a coincidence, but I doubt it. Note that the maker is Wilcox, however,
the numbers are identical to the Am Ry Sup below.
|
| Wilcox
- Yosemite Valley RR - Questionable Example< |
 
|
|
The tag on the right does not have the large periods. Watch for
numbers in this range. Please report any additional tags with this numbering
to me. Note the amazing coincidence that the lettering was changed for
the RR initials and the "WAY" designation in what would have been
a run of production items. Note that the maker is Wilcox, however, the
numbers are identical to the Am Ry Sup below.
|
| American
Railway Supply - Nevada County Narrow Gauge 2073 - Questionable
Example |
 |
|
Watch for numbers in this range. Please report any additional tags
with this numbering to me.
|
[Makers] [Types]
[TagTown Home]