Vintage M.C.R.R. Brass Barrel Switch Key, Attributed to Michigan Central Railroad, Adlake Style Hallmark, Railroadiana, Circa 1900s to 1930s

This is a brass barrel switch key, circa 1900s to 1930s, with a hollow barrel and a warded bit. The bow is stamped with railroad initials M.C.R.R., partly worn but readable under a loupe, plus a worn Adlake style diamond hallmark with HDW CO legible, and an S.

The key is worn and solid. The brass shows a dark patina, worn spots, pitting and small dark spots on the barrel, and a little green verdigris near the bit and the bow joint, all visible in the photos. The stamps are not crisp.

This key is attributed to the Michigan Central Railroad, a Midwestern line that connected Detroit, Chicago, and southern Ontario and later became part of the New York Central system. The initials M.C.R.R. were also used by the Maine Central Railroad, and collectors often tie the Adlake style hallmark to Michigan Central. The S stamp on switch keys generally stands for Switch. It would fit a railroadiana collection of switch keys.

Details

• Item: One brass barrel switch key
• Item Type: Railroad Switch Keys
• Era: Circa 1900s to 1930s
• Materials: Brass
• Color: Brass with a dark patina, worn spots, and a little green verdigris
• Maker and Mark: Worn Adlake style diamond hallmark, with HDW CO legible. The word ADLAKE is not clearly readable. The bow is stamped with railroad initials M.C.R.R., partly worn but readable under a loupe. An S is stamped at the top of the bow
• Pattern or Model: Brass barrel switch key with a hollow barrel and a warded bit. Pattern or model name not confirmed from photos
• Style: Railroadiana switch key
• Dimensions: The key is 2 in long. The round bow is about 1 in across
• Special Features: Hollow barrel. Warded bit. S stamp on the bow. Worn Adlake style diamond hallmark. Attributed to the Michigan Central Railroad

Condition Grade: Good

Positives

• Graded Good: The key is worn and solid, with a hollow barrel and a warded bit present in the photos.
• A large S is readable at the top of the bow in the photos.
• A clear M is readable on the bow in the photos, and HDW CO is legible in the worn diamond hallmark.

Issues / Wear

• The railroad initials on the bow are partly worn, with the letters after M only faint in the photos. The stamps are not crisp.
• The diamond hallmark is worn, and the word ADLAKE is not clearly readable in the photos.
• The brass shows a dark patina, worn spots, pitting, and small dark spots on the barrel, visible in the photos.
• A little green verdigris is visible near the bit and the bow joint in the photos.

Find more like this in our Michigan & Great Lakes collection.

If you collect M.C.R.R. switch keys, this worn brass barrel key attributed to the Michigan Central Railroad would fit a railroadiana shelf. If it's the one you've been looking for, it's ready to come home.