Windsor & Annapolis Railway

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Before this year, I didn't even know that there was a Windsor & Annapolis Railway, so far this year I found two different baggage tags from the railway, both different. Found the first one in August at a site in Kingston:



And then I found this in Morden today:



Another reason why I love this hobby, it's fun and educating.

History ROCKS!

[Deleted]

Nice finds! I found my first and only Railway Tag last season, mine isn't cleaned up as well as your though. Great to find IMO.

[Leslie Sarkany]

Some nice NS railroad relics! Not an everyday find!

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Cool.
I got my first RR relic this year too, a switch key. I had thought it RR related when I found it, because all writing is visible on it, but didn't know how collectible they were, this is apparently a rare one worth a couple / several hundred bucks.



I was informed this about it
"You found a pretty valuable railroad key. (your key says W&A, and not IV and A)

The Western & Atlantic Railroad was founded in 1836. It was a short line running from Atlanta to Chattanooga. A small southern road and the relative rarity of artifacts from such a road, would make it prized by collectors. "

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Hey Rick nice find, love the look of the old keys. I'm curious though, most of the railway related finds in this area with W&A was from the Windsor & Annapolis Railway until 1894 when it merged with other rail companies to become the Dominion Atlantic Railway. Are there any other markers on your key that would suggest it's from the Western and Atlantic Railroad and not the Windsor & Annapolis Railway? Maybe my finds are worth more also ;-)

Cheers

Tony

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Sept 25, 2014 5:13:14 GMT -5 @tony2163 said:

Hey Rick nice find, love the look of the old keys. I'm curious though, most of the railway related finds in this area with W&A was from the Windsor & Annapolis Railway until 1894 when it merged with other rail companies to become the Dominion Atlantic Railway. Are there any other markers on your key that would suggest it's from the Western and Atlantic Railroad and not the Windsor & Annapolis Railway? Maybe my finds are worth more also ;-)

Cheers

Tony

Yes the other side shows makers name and where manufactured, "W. Bomannan, Brooklyn NY" and the guy who gave me that information is quite knowledgable about these.

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I should add that I'm not closed minded, and can accept other opinions, and in fact now question it myself, so just did a google search of "canadian RR switch keys" did not come up with one with that (US maker) reverse. So I think the original ID is correct, though admit not 100% sure. I will be sending the pictures to one of the largest US collectors
www.railroadswitchkey.com/

To get opinion and offer, as he has hundreds, but not this one.

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Sept 25, 2014 6:17:55 GMT -5 @rickone said:

I should add that I'm not closed minded, and can accept other opinions, and in fact now question it myself, so just did a google search of "canadian RR switch keys" did not come up with one with that (US maker) reverse. So I think the original ID is correct, though admit not 100% sure. I will be sending the pictures to one of the largest US collectors
www.railroadswitchkey.com/

To get opinion and offer, as he has hundreds, but not this one.

That is awesome Rick, that is one of the reasons why I enjoy this forum so much, the exchange of ideas. Keep us posted on the final results, wish you all the best on your attempted sale.

PS Without giving up the secrets, did you find it close or far from a railway line, building, or anything remotely connected to a railway?

Cheers

Tony

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All of a sudden everyone's ears prick up. ..

Great finds Tony! I now have an urge to find an old train platform...

Cheers
Paul

[Deleted]

Tony, Quick reply, heading out to dig YEAH !. It was an unexpected field find, not close to any RR lines ?