{"product_id":"mcrr-brass-switch-key","title":"Vintage M.C.R.R. Brass Barrel Switch Key, Attributed to Michigan Central Railroad, Adlake Style Hallmark, Railroadiana, Circa 1900s to 1930s","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eItem:\u003c\/strong\u003e One brass barrel switch key\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eItem Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Railroad Switch Keys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Circa 1900s to 1930s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brass with a dark patina, worn spots, and a little green verdigris\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaker and Mark:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePattern or Model:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brass barrel switch key with a hollow barrel and a warded bit. Pattern or model name not confirmed from photos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Railroadiana switch key\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e The key is 2 in long. The round bow is about 1 in across\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Features:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hollow barrel. Warded bit. S stamp on the bow. Worn Adlake style diamond hallmark. Attributed to the Michigan Central Railroad\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition Grade: Good\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePositives\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGraded Good:\u003c\/strong\u003e The key is worn and solid, with a hollow barrel and a warded bit present in the photos.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA large S is readable at the top of the bow in the photos.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA clear M is readable on the bow in the photos, and HDW CO is legible in the worn diamond hallmark.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssues \/ Wear\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe railroad initials on the bow are partly worn, with the letters after M only faint in the photos. The stamps are not crisp.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe diamond hallmark is worn, and the word ADLAKE is not clearly readable in the photos.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe brass shows a dark patina, worn spots, pitting, and small dark spots on the barrel, visible in the photos.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA little green verdigris is visible near the bit and the bow joint in the photos.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind more like this in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myreadingvintage.com\/collections\/michigan-great-lakes\"\u003eMichigan \u0026amp; Great Lakes\u003c\/a\u003e collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Orders $35+ Ship Free","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50999144939775,"sku":"B5-T13-3744","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2503\/7976\/files\/mcrr-brass-switch-key-01.jpg?v=1794417970","url":"https:\/\/myreadingvintage.com\/products\/mcrr-brass-switch-key","provider":"Reading Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}