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1880's Denver & Rio Grande Railway Harp Switch Stand, RARE!

Here is your chance to own a very rare and hard to find Colorado railroad piece from the Denver & Rio Grande Railway, circa; pre-1886. The Denver & Rio Grande Railway (D&RGRy or D&RGRw) changed their name to "D&RGRR" in 1886. A harp switch stand is a type of railroad switch stand that was most common during the 19th century in the United States. The name derives from the characteristic shape of the stand. The harp stand was typically used in conjunction with the stub switch. It remained in use longest among narrow gauge railroads such as the Denver & Rio Grande well into the 20th century.  This cast iron piece is embossed at the top of the body "D&RG RW". It comes with the original , untouched, painted red & white signal target. Unfortunately, this three position switch stand has a broken piece missing on the back side of the upper main body near the notches, and is missing the position pin (see picture #3), otherwise this item would bring a more demanding price. Still, a very rare piece.

The harp mechanism is a simple lever which pivoted on an axle pin located midway up the main body (the "frame") of the stand. The upper part of the lever passed through a slot atop the stand. A signal target was usually attached at the top of the lever. The lower end of the lever extended below the main body of the stand where it attached to a bar. Pulling on the lever would pull this bar which in turn would move the rail into the desired position. The lever was sometimes secured by notches along the slot at the top of the stand. Variations of this basic design were common. Harp stands were of two types: a two-position and a three-position, for use with two-way and three-way turnouts, respectively.

Soooo,....All Aboard!.... and don't wait to long! This rare Colorado railroad piece will not last long!

Please be patient for five larger pictures to download!

$4,500.00