Railway collectibles reflect the historic fascination that Americans and people around the world have had with railroads and western expansion. They are also a reminder of how hard it was to build and maintain railroad lines. The tools of the trade—from hammers to wrenches to shovels—are now part of many collections, and they can provide a glimpse into an often difficult and always lawless time in American history.
One of the most interesting railroad-related antiques doesn’t have anything to do with building trains; it’s actually a tool that helped conductors keep track of paying passengers. Known as ticket punchers, they’re available in a variety of shapes, including flames, bells, crosses and diamonds. These aren’t exactly cheap, but they’re a cool piece of railroad history and a great addition to any home or office.
All Aboard the Past: Collecting and Admiring Vintage Railway Memorabilia
A lot of railroad collectors are very interested in collecting and displaying their toy trains in the best possible condition. This is a big commitment because you can easily pay hundreds or thousands of dollars in train show fees to display your collection. But it is well worth the effort if you can get close to 100% of market value for your trains when they are in excellent condition.
If you have a few tinplate trains or other pieces of railroadiana that are in the best condition, then it makes sense to consider selling them at a train show or on an online auction site like eBay. If you know what make[s] the items are, then contacting a toy train society is an option as they may be able to put you in touch with collectors who want them.
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