ORIGINAL LIONEL 099 TRAIN CONTROL BLOCK SIGNAL IN OB

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This no reserve auction is for an original Lionel 099 Train Control Block Signal in its original box with peripherals. This piece was originally produced by Lionel only between 1932- 1935 for use with "O" Gauge track. This 12" high signal has a black painted square die-cast base below a rectangular relay box, fiber panel with wires and train control adjustment lever, train stop circuit, cream colored rolled-steel pole, black die-cast target head with openings fitted for red, clear and green celluloid disks, red ladder, brass plate numbered 099 in vertical arrangement. Peripheral items include a special OSS insulated straight track section, original early unnumbered instruction sheet, and OTC lockon. This is an interesting variation in that it features a red ladder instead of a black ladder. It would seem to fit between the type A and type B description on page 48 in Greenberg's Guide to Lionel Trains, 1901 - 1942, Volume III, Accessories by Peter H. Riddle, Ph. D. This may be a transition piece which would likely date it to 1934 or 1935 production. This piece is in remarkably nice condition considering its age showing signs of gentle handling. Because 099 Signals are top heavy with die-cast base and head, it is very common for them to show significant paint loss from falling over easily. The original black paint on the base and head of this piece show only a few small nicks at high spots. The original cream colored pole is in similar condition. The alloy used by Lionel in the die-casting process was also commonly susceptible to deterioration. The base and head on this piece show no signs of deterioration. The wiring is brittle and will need to be replaced. There is an unmarked manilla envelope that holds an OTC Lockon, instruction sheet an unmarked mini-envelope that has 2 insulating fibre pins. Both envelopes are complete including the flaps. Because the envelopes are unmarked I can not be absolutely certain that they are original but they certainly look very similar to other envelopes that I have seen Lionel use with prewar accessories. Later 99N envelopes were marked and dated starting in 1937. The original 1 page instruction sheet is one of the earliest Lionel ever produced and is substantially rarer than the later version printed on blue paper for the 99 and 99N signal. It is unnumbered/undated and is titled "Directions for the Installation of Color Light Train Control Numbers 99 or 099". It shows some wear at the lower corners and shows stress at the fold lines but all of the information necessary to operate the signal is clearly legible. The original OSS insulated track section still has the narrow paper insert between 2 rails identifying what it is, and which accessories it is used for (with the 099 being specifically mentioned). The track shows some oxidization and still includes the original reddish brown fibre pin. The vintage OTC lockon shows a little rust. The box is complete with all flaps present and firmly attached. Both ends sport a black rubber stamped "NO. 099". Most of the original Lionel packing tape is still present. The box is square and strong and shows limited shelf wear for an 80 year old relic. The original price sticker still sits on one end. There is no writing or tape repair to this box. Guaranteed to be completely original with no replacement parts or restoration of any kind. It will be very difficult to find a better and more complete example than this signal. Please see the pictures for additional descriptive detail. This will make a nice addition to your collection, particularly if you collect boxed prewar items. Buyer pays $8.50 for S&H. I will gladly refund excess postage. In addition to thinning out my own collection I have just been given a fairly large collection of high grade prewar and postwar items on consignment that I will be posting over the next few months. I have also received about 40-50 set boxes on consignment and will be listing them as well. If you would be interested in selling or consigning all o... read more

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