Lot #201 - New Haven RR Thompson "Hartford Division" marked lantern

 

la35 Railroad New York New Haven & Hartford  Size 6" tall globe  Condition Excellent This is a nice example of the Thompson with a Divisional mark. This frame has a 6 1/2" diameter bell. The earlier frames have a 5 1/2" diameter bell. The lid is nicely stamped with the NYNH&HRR marking. The very top has the HARTFORD DIVISION marking. This lantern has been expertly cleaned. The pinch pot has the correct spring tabs under the pinch tabs. The font is tin with a thin pick-wick burner wick. The top does have a brass ferrule for the set screw. This is not uncommon - it's a 50:50 on the brass ferrule being present. The lid has two interesting features:  (1) Like many of the later Fitchburg Thompson's an additional ring was riveted to the globe retainer. This is always factory done with 3 pins at perfectly spaced 120 degree positions  (2) At some point this lantern had an additional plate covering the NYNH&HRR marking on the lid. The plate was held with 4 rivets that were evenly spaced at 90 degree intervals. These pins almost align with the periods in the lettering. The extra plate was professionally removed to reveal the beautiful marking and great condition of the original lid. Nobody knows why the lid was covered up.  The globe is a correct 6" tall Thompson "tear drop" with a fine presentation cutting that has two features:  (A) there are two initials that I believe are "JH" on one side  (B) a fine floral cutting/etching that is obscuring the original NYNH&HRR casting in the globe.  One reasonable explanation for why this lantern is the way it is would be that some employee "JH" took the lantern home and he ground out the NYNH&HRR casting in the globe and then applied a plate over the NYNH&H RR lid marking. It could have also been a presentation piece to a retiree. This is a very nice lantern. Excellent condition.    Return to Auction Listing copyright Scott Czaja 2011