It is always a pleasure to come home from a day's antique-ing with a piece like this, and even more so to be able to offer it to you! The famous "Griffon" pattern, made exclusively for the Santa Fe by the Onondaga Pottery Co. (Syracuse China). This example, a dinner plate measuring just over 9¾" in diameter, is in truly excellent condition - just the right amount of utensil marks to indicate commercial use, but not to overly dim the shine of the glaze. In addition to the manufacturer's backstamp in green, a second mark appears in black: "Made Expressly For Santa Fe Dining Car Service." A truly fine example, which we're sure will find an appreciative home!

The popular "California Poppy" pattern, used on board the dining cars of the AT&SF. This pattern was in use for several decades, and is extremely popular with collectors. Produced by a number of makers, both in Germany and the United States. Check the listing page for items available.

Glassware from Libbey for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe. Simple decorated with "Santa Fe" in script lettering. Check the listing page for available items and quantities.

A beautiful ashtray from the A.T. & S.F.; an elongated oval in heavy, clear glass, with the railroad's logo on the bottom. Excellent condition, there is evidence of wear around the edge of the base. Once again, while examining the piece before typing this description, I have run my fingers around the top edges, inside and out, and can detect nary a nick or chip - not even a hint of roughness. A very nice example of this gracefully designed item.

A large, 6" saucer in Santa Fe's exclusive and collectible California Poppy pattern. This particular example is not backstamped. We're hoping we can make someone's orphaned cup quite happy!

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A three-panel, trick fold fare schedule from the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe. This schedule advertises economical family travel. Once opened, the brochure has a small panel at the bottom, featuring four photographs. When folded downward, this panel reveals the railroad's route map. Printed in brown monochrome on ivory stock, and in excellent condition.

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Timetables for Spring & Summer of 1966 on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe. Condition is very good, with the exception of the innermost panel (last page when opened) which shows some wrinkling and foxing.

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A neat, dark blue, paddle shaped plastic swizzle with the Santa Fe logo and "The Chief" in gold.

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This is a great swizzle from the Santa Fe, featuring a war-bonneted Indian chief at the top, and gold lettering along the shaft: "Santa Fe - The Chief Way." Neat!

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Sterling China's version of the famous "Mimbreno" pattern, produced for Nostalgia Station. The high quality of this ware, and the collectibility of the pattern makes this china worth of inclusion in our catalog.

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A simple, black plastic swizzle stick with "Atlantic Coast Line" printed along the shaft in white. Excellent condition.

The text of this neat promotional piece begins: "We are pleased to acknowledge your request for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad "Album of Washington Views," a copy of which is enclosed." We're sorry to say the album was not in the company of this piece, but perhaps for the best, as it highlights the wonderful and ephemeral nature of this "throw-away" item! The flyer promotes travel on the B & O to the Nation's capitol. Within are twelve photos, each in sepia tone. Six of the photos illustrate various stages of travel: the platform, ticket counter, baggage loading, and steamship connections at New York. The six remaining images are, perhaps, the most delightful. These illustrate various amenities: valet, barber, maid & manicure service, and the delights of the dining car. A very nice image of the B & O's "Capitol" logo appears alone, at center, on the final page. This 8½" x 11" four-page flyer has survived unfolded, and exhibits only a very narrow line of foxing along a portion of the lower edge. Should you happen to posses the "Album of Washington Views," this item would be a "must have"!

This is a beautiful ashtray from the B & O. Art Deco in design, the logo is applied to the bottom: "B & O - Linking 13 Great States with the Nation." A pair of locomotives are illustrated as well; one steam, and one diesel. With the exception of some scratching at the point where the piece rests, the ashtray is in exceptional condition. We are not able to detect a single nick or flea bite along either the inner or outer rim.

A delightful after dinner coffee cup and saucer featuring B & O's famous Centenary pattern. Both pieces bearing a Scammell's Lamberton China backstamp. Condition is excellent, showing only a very few tiny brown specks along the rim of the cup. This is extremely minor and hardly noticeable. Interestingly, the cup's foot is a hair too large for the saucer well, and does not nest perfectly in place. Quite a nice example of this famous pattern.

A beautiful plate from Canadian National, in the "Queen Elizabeth" pattern. The logo features a brown maple leaf on a blue field, and the rim is decorated with a mustard line. Manufactured by Royal Doulton, and bearing a 1943 date code.

A wonderful soup spoon from McGlashan-Clarke for Canadian Pacific. The design is elaborate, and the handle bears the line's "CPR" in entwined script. Though use is apparent, the plating is excellent. Minimal if any wear to the back of the bowl where one often finds table wear. Very nice!

On consignment: This is a marvelous example of ephemera from Canadian Pacific. We'll begin with the envelope in which these items were mailed, which bears the return address of CPR's Chicago offices on the flap. Within, we find a typed promotional letter addressed to a Mr. Rudolph C. Brandt of Evanston, Indiana, and signed by the line's general agent, Thomas J. Wall. The letterhead is priceless, and only an image can do it justice! As a bonus, included with this wonderful letter is a miniature poster, extremely colorful, featuring skiers and sled dogs in front of the famous Chateau Frontenac at Quebec. The reverse of this delightful piece advertises winter sports in the city. This item also bears the address of the Chicago agent, but is clearly marked: "Printed in Canada". These items, of course, have been folded; the only damage, however, is to the outer envelope, which has browned and curled at one end, but thankfully preserved its contents intact!

A neat, silver plated teapot from Mappin & Webb for Canadian Pacific. Simply designed with "Canadian Pacific" in script on one side. Showing typical signs of use, but with plating in excellent condition. One small dent on the edge of the handle, otherwise no major dings or damage. A neat piece!

A wonderful piece from Buffalo China for the Chesapeake and Ohio. These trays are quite collectible as they display so nicely (especially if one can locate a book of Chessie matches!) and we were delighted to find this example in excellent condition. No chips, cracks, or crazing. Very, very nice!

An artist's rendering of the New SS Spartan, sailing for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway's year-round ferry service on Lake Michigan. This was a popular image, and it appeared on playing cards and other promotional items, as well as postcards. Showing minor corner wear, but not postally used.

A well-used but wonderful double deck of playing cards, featuring the sister ships SS Spartan and SS Badger, which served as ferries on Lake Michigan, beginning in the early 1950's. The inner lid of the box describes the sisters as "the new $10 million twin queens of the Chesapeake and Ohio….", so we are quite certain these were issued early in the vessels' careers. A stated previously, the cards are well-used. A single card has a missing corner, and a second, a scotch-taped dog ear. All cards, including a pair of Jokers per deck, are present. The portrait of the Spartan which appears on the card backs is reproduced on the box lid as well.

On consignment: A neat timetable and rates schedule from the Chicago & North Western Railway. What appears to be a relatively small piece, pulls open to 38¾"! Condition is excellent.

On consignment: A neat little group of ephemera advertising Pacific Northwest vacations via Burlington, C, B & Q, Northern Pacific, and Great Northern railways. Included is a letter on Burlington Route letterhead, which also has the Burlington Route logo as its watermark. There are also two small booklets - one a fare schedule, and the other a promotional booklet for the north western United States. The final piece is a return-mail postcard to indicate the traveler's preference as to vacation destinations. As these items were found tucked one inside the other, and as they are obviously related, we are offering them together.

A neat brochure for the California Zephyr, entitled "Vista Dome Views." This 16 page, timetable size booklet contains brief descriptions of notable sites, cities, and towns along the train's route, indicating the time of arrival for both eastbound and westbound trips, and whether or not the train stops at that particular location. This example seems to have been carried by a somewhat critical (or merely observant) passenger, who checked off each location and (in pencil) noted the actual time of arrival, which averaged between a half hour and an hour later than scheduled! A neat piece that certainly made the trip - a light crease upper left and minor wear at the spine - still a very good example.

A neat "Burlington Route" teapot from Hall China for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Condition is good, showing a small nick to the end of the spout, and a bump to the lip which has left a fine fissure which is difficult to see. There is also a very small (¼"-½") star crack in the glaze on the inside. We have carefully examined the exterior of the piece, but can find no evidence of this on the outside. The lid shows a very tiny fissure on the inner rim, but it has not chipped or flaked. It also seems to fit the pot a bit loosely. This is not a great discrepancy, so we do not hesitate to call the lid "original." The gold logo shows some wear as is typical, but remains clearly visible. In spite of its minor flaws, it remains a very nice example of this collectible and striking cobalt blue and gold pattern.

A great example of the "Traveler" pattern on this butter pat. Not backstamped, but unquestionably produced by Syracuse in their "Econo-Rim" shape. Just a couple of tiny knife marks - near pristine!

A large (3½") "Princeton" pattern butter pat by O.P. Co., bearing a 1916 date mark impressed in the ware. Fine condition.

A great globe-shaped cocktail glass - one of three recently acquired - featuring Illinois Central's Panama Limited. The train is rendered in dark red and yellow, and the road's logo appears on the reverse. Price each. Neat!

A gorgeous example of the Syracuse China pattern known in collectors' circles as "Coral." This pattern was produced exclusively for the Illinois Central from 1935-1970. This particular example is dated 1963. Condition is excellent.

This is a beautiful covered serving dish from Reed & Barton. Though the cover is unmarked, both the oval handled bowl and the separate under plate are clearly engraved on the bottom with the railroad's flag insignia. The lid on this example exhibits some wear to the outer plated surface, but the two other pieces are excellent, and polish beautifully. The tray well seems a bit large to accommodate the foot of the bowl, and the rim is not as elaborately decorated. However, the two pieces do bear an identical number on the bottom. This number (1353) could be a date stamp, as the typical Reed & Barton date symbol is absent. The items were acquired together, and the wear pattern indicates they were, at least for a time, used together, so we offer them as a set.

An unused and un-struck book of matches from the Missouri Kansas Texas Lines. Logo on the flap, route map on the reverse cover. Light soiling, otherwise very nice.

A well-used but very nice, deep oval tray from International Silver for the Missouri Pacific. Plating is quite good for this piece, which bears the maker's date code for 1925. Some small dings around the edge of the well, and some light pitting at one end. The design around the rim is quite attractive. Backstamped with the railroad's name. A nice example of dining car silver plate.

One of the most attractive railroad service plates ever designed - Missouri Pacific's "State Flowers" by Syracuse China. This particular example is fully backstamped for the railroad, and dated 1929 - apparently the first year this design was ordered. Condition is extremely fine, showing a couple of very light utensil marks, and very tiny scratch near the rim at top, probably from a plate hanger. One cannot help but be impressed by this truly magnificent item!

A very nice saucer from O.P. Co./Syracuse China in the "St. Albans" pattern. Clearly backstamped with the name of the railroad, the date code indicates manufacture in September of 1932. Some spotting along the rim, and signs of heavy use in the well. Still very good condition with no cracks or chips, and a great piece if you've got the cup!

Undoubtedly the finest example of this item we have come across - this deep cobalt blue glazed Hall ashtray for the Missouri Pacific is in near-pristine condition. The railroad's logo, which appears on both sides of the central match holder, is 100% intact. The gilt rim decoration is near-flawless, and the piece does not appear to have been used. We are delighted to offer, to accompany the ashtray, a MoPac brochure, which contains a photo of these ashtrays in use in the dining car. You will, however, have to provide your own matches!

A delightful brochure advertising MoPac's "Route of the Eagles." The colorful cover illustration spans front & back panels. The interior features five photos, including an especially nice image of a dining car with a number of "State Flowers" service plates, and Hall China ashtrays on each table. Condition is near-perfect.

A gorgeous oval side dish or "baker" from Missouri Pacific. Apparently the small oval base of this piece would not accommodate the railroad backstamp, as it does not appear; however the topmarked logo is unmistakable! Near immaculate condition. A wonderful item.

A beautiful fruit bowl from Missouri Pacific's "Eagle". We located several of these bowls in excellent condition - no cracks, chips, or hairlines - dated between 1951 and 1954. A lone example is without the railroad backstamp, but the topmark renders this inconsequential. Very fine examples of this very collectible railroad china.

A beautiful bread plate from "The Eagle", manufactured for Missouri Pacific by Syracuse China. We have several examples of this piece, all 1955 with the exception of one from the previous year. Each backstamped, and all in excellent condition.

A wonderful piece of German railroad china - a teapot from Mitropa. This piece shows minimal signs of use, and is complete with an interestingly designed lid, which may have been intended to double as an underliner. We might have thought the two pieces to be mismatched were it not for the fact that we located two identical teapots! Very nice.

A delightful bud vase bearing Mitropa's "M" logo in cobalt blue. Perfect condition. Manufactured by Hutschenreuther, and furnished by Bauscher Bros..

A simple, white ashtray, (at least that's what we believe it was likely intended for) from Hutschenreuther for Mitropa, bearing a dark, cobalt blue "M" at center. Furnished by Bauscher Weiden. Excellent condition.

Dewitt Clinton pattern rectangular platter - 11¾" x 7½". A wonderful, early piece in the famous "Dewitt Clinton" pattern from New York Central. Manufactured for the railroad by Syracuse China, and bearing a January 1926 date code. A few small brown spots appear near center and along the rim, and a bump to the lower right has caused a ¾" crack and small fissure along the rim in that location. Still, quite an unusual and very attractive serving piece.

A beautiful example of the Art Deco pattern, sometimes referred to as "Mohawk" in collectors' circles, produced for the New York Central Railroad by Syracuse China. This is a fine example, dated 1946, showing minimal utensil marks. There is a very small, dark speck in the glaze, but this appears quite insignificant, and detracts minimally from this simply designed but dramatic pattern.

An interesting promotional brochure which catalogues all of the master works of art (reproductions, of course) which appeared on the trains of the New York Central. This would be an invaluable reference tool should one come across one of these works and need provenance! Fourteen of the works are illustrated within the brochure in black and white, while Renoir's "Lady at the Piano" appears on the front panel in color. Some mention of the printing methods employed in reproducing the original masterworks is made in the text, and brief biographies of a few of the most noted artists are included. An interesting item in excellent condition!

Magnificent china from the famed Venice Simplon Orient Express. Bright white, bone china by Wedgwood, made in England; the design features Art Nouveau-inspired, vine-like lines and the railroad's crest in dark brown. Elegant, to say the least!

Purple Laurel - one of the most recognized of railroad-related patterns. Produced for the railroad over a number of years by most of the major manufacturers. Check the listing page for items currently available.

This is a neat item - a Pullman porter's brush with two-color horse hair bristles. The "banana" shaped handle tends to indicate that this piece was probably a shoe brush, but it certainly may have been used for clothing. Impressed "Pullman" in the top of the handle. Worn on one side of the dark colored bristles, indicating the porter's preference! A very unusual piece.

A great wooden hanger stamped: "Property of the Pullman Company". This is an "Inch-mor" hanger, complete with its patent number. Wood with a metal hook, the crosspiece has been coated with a velveteen material in order to prevent clothing from slipping off. A wonderful piece!

A wooden clothes hanger with metal hook, stamped in black: "Property of the Pullman Company". Nicely finished and in excellent condition.

Though not railroad china per se, Portland Pottery's "Railway" pattern is collected by many railroadiana aficionados. This colorful transfer ware is quite decorative, featuring a 19th Century locomotive and coaches, set before a country hillside. This is non-vitrified ware, and often exhibits surface crazing; however, this is not considered to be greatly detrimental, and will not be noted unless the integrity of an item is compromised.

A nice coffee mug, light tan body color with teal and orange striping - known as the "Piedmont" pattern. Backstamped with the railroad name. Condition is excellent, with the exception of a slight "smudge" to the teal blue line beneath the rim.

Silver plate flatware from Victor Silver for the Union Pacific Railroad. Items engraved on reverse with "U.P.R.R." in script lettering. All examples offered in very good to excellent condition, with strong plating. Check the listing page for items available.

A great set of six color photos issued by Union Pacific. The set includes three passenger trains and three freight. The passenger trains are as follows: City of Los Angeles in Weber Canyon, Utah; City of St. Louis in Cajon Pass; and the City of Portland in the Columbia River Gorge. The six photos came to us in their original UP envelope mailed from the company's Omaha headquarters. Though the envelope has some tattered edges, the photos have been wonderfully preserved with bright colors. A very nice set of images, which would frame beautifully.

A very nice, round and heavy ashtray in amber glass, bearing the UP shield logo in color on the bottom. There are two, very tiny rough spots along the inner rim, which are consistent with damage one might expect from stacking. There are also some extremely small depressions in along the top which, being smooth, appear to be minor factory flaws in the glass. We only point them out in our effort to offer a complete and accurate description. The logo, applied to the bottom, is amazingly intact, and shows absolutely no scratches or wear. Very nice!

A great, "paddle" shaped swizzle, with the logo: "Be Specific - say Union Pacific" in gold, italicized script. A number of colors available. Check the listing page for availability.

An interesting ashtray from Wagon-Lits, advertising what we believe are Italian soft drinks. Manufactured, appropriately, by Verbano, the piece is white china with blue decoration. Condition is excellent. There are a couple of small flakes on the foot, but these could well be manufacturing flaws, as they do not appear to be impact damage. A neat item!

A magnificent commemorative booklet from the Western Pacific Railway, featuring 25 tipped-in color plates. The tinted photos depict scenes along the railroad's "Feather River Cañon" route from Salt Lake to San Francisco. This memento is in wonderful condition. The edges of the cover show some wear, and there is a stain on the reverse which, thankfully, due to the heavy stock used, does not penetrate to the interior. Found (and left) tucked within the pages are a pair of postcards from Royal Gorge, probably acquired during the trip. This is a very nice example, with every image intact and undamaged with bright colors.