Maybe you should join Key Lock & Lantern. An organization dedicated to collecting railroad keys, locks, and lanterns.
http://www.klnl.org
Vintage railroad locks
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MQT1223
- O Scale Railfanner
- Posts: 4070
- Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2014 1:46 pm
- Location: Grandville, Michigan
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Re: Vintage railroad locks
I know value can also be determined by the gauge of the railroad. If it's anything that's not standard your sure to have something special. If it's anything that only existed for a short time, and was merged into a big name railroad like the Pennsy or something it could be worth a little or a lot. Too many variables for me to collect RR locks and keys so I typically avoid them, although I do own a newer Adlake B&O lock with matching key that came from West Virginia. I also just bought a key from the Southern Kansas Railroad for $14 and just sold it for over $300. Percentage wise it is the biggest haul I've ever had. It merged into the Santa Fe in the teens. Again, so many variables from the manufacturer of the lock and key to the road itself to determine the value.
1223 OUT! President and Founder of the Buck Creek Central, the Rolling River Route! (2012-2017) President and Founder of the Lamberton Valley Railroad, The Tin Plate Road! Proudly railfanning with Asperger's since 1996. 