Train signal light?

[dibdib]

Hello,

I found this metal item along an abandoned railroad in NYC. I am thinking it is a signal light of some sort. Anyone know of where I should look around for information on it?

 

[surfaceone]

Hey Katy,

I'm not seeing the "light" component of this. Right now I'm using a monitor that is not HD, but all I'm seeeing is a rusty hunk of something.

Are there any markings that lead you to believe it to be a light?

 

[JOETHECROW]

Possibly part of a semaphore signal?

 

[pontilguy]

I concur. Perhaps a frag of a long unused railroad semaphore signal.

 

[epackage]

I can see something somewhat in this form with the hole in the original pic being the area of the lense in this pic.....Maybe ???? All crumpled up....???

 

[BillinMo]

I think Jim's signal lamp picture is pretty close to what the original looked like... although it's pretty far gone now. I really doubt it has any collector value in that kind of condition.

This is my favorite site for all sorts of great info on railroad stuff: http://www.railroadiana.org/

 

[dibdib]

Thanks for the comments, that really helped. After posting this I found an old photo from exact area that I found the "hunk of metal", and I would agree that it may have been a part of the signal. Aside from the photo of the area, I also found a small hard to read label on the item that said "NYC RR", which stood for New York Central Rail Road I believe. My intention of gathering info on this item was certainly not on monetary returns, but instead in setting up a display case at a local visitor center to educate the public about the areas diverse history. Thanks again!