Vintage Boston & Maine RR Brass Tag 58259 J. Robbins Boston

For sale is a late 19th-century brass railroad baggage tag issued by the Boston & Maine Railroad. The top has the manufacture stamp "J. ROBBINS MFG. CO. BOSTON," a prominent American manufacturer founded by John Robbins. He was one of the earliest commercial pioneers of metal baggage checks in the United States. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, railroads used brass tags like this to track passenger luggage. The company attached one tag to the bag with a leather strap and handed a matching tag to the passenger as a claim check. The word "WAY" stamped at the bottom indicates a local or "way" station route. This meant the baggage was traveling to a smaller stop along the railroad's primary line rather than a major terminal destination. This piece is a nice slice of New England railroadiana history. This item came from a friends’ estate collection that I have been asked to help sell. The original owner was a big fan of railroad collectables and HO scale model train enthusiast. Item is in very good vintage condition with a gorgeous, natural dark-brass patina developed over a century of age. Lettering and numbers remain crisp, deep, and highly legible. The strap slot is clean with authentic period wear. No major pitting, bending, or damage. Please see photos for more details and to assess the condition yourself. Also be sure and check out the other items I have for sale and message me if you want to combine orders. Thank You. For local pick up, item is in North Huntington Beach (area code 92649). I can also meet along the 405 Freeway between Huntington Beach and LAX.

Condition

Used (normal wear)