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is a very original, complete and very rare vintage light from the front of a railroad steam engine from the 1930s or may even be from the 1920s (I don't know the exact date). About 15-20 years ago I was at a local railroad show in Youngstown, Ohio looking for railroad calendars to display on our walls at work. In walking up and down the aisles, noticed this light and was amazed that anything this rare would show up, and even more amazed at the condition. The numbers showed on each side, the reflector was perfect and the front lens was also perfect. It is complete and guaranteed to be original. Many coats of black enamel have protected the finish over so many years and t is no rust other than a few light scratches and a little surface rust around the base.

At the time, thought this light could be retrofitted to 110 volts and used for display lighting in our showroom (son's business now, as I am retired). We never got around to using the light and it was placed on a shelf in our printing department, w it sat for all of the years since. It was covered with a large sheet and recently discovered. Since I no longer am collecting antiques, felt that it should be offered to a railroad collector through eBay. I am selling this item at a reasonable starting price with no reserve and hope that it can be displayed by someone or used in the retoration of an older steam engine.

Research: I searched the words "Engine 124" in Google and the picture of the steam engine shown came up, clearly showing #124 on the side of the engine. The light on the front looked to be the same type of light, although I cannot say for sure, as do not know how the various railroads numbered their engines. The engine found in Google was from prior to 1931 and was from the Florida East Coast Railway. This railway extend along a 351 mile corridor between Jacksonville and Miami and at one time extended all the way to Key West. At the time, Florida East Coast Railway built the first railroad bridges to Key West that have since been rebuilt into road bridges for vehicle traffic. Is this light from the same engine? I do not know and never will know, but possibly others can research this further and come up with the answer.

Specifications:

Outside Diameter - 13-1/2". Lens Outside Diameter 11-1/4" (lens is curved outward to direct the light far ahead of the engine). The reflector is absolutely perfect and has the words "FRY - GOLDEN GLOW" embossed into the bottom surface of the reflector. Reflector can be polished, but since I am not versed on how to do this, did not do so for fear of scratching the surface.

Length: 18-1/2" long, 17" wide at widest point. Glass on each side displaying "124" measures 5" high by 10-3/4' long. White numbers are 4" high - each side.

Other: Letters embossed into the metal: Golden Glow, ESS Co. Phila. Base is curved to conform to the outside diameter of the steam engine boiler and is 8-1/4" ouside diameter and 5-3/4" inside diameter. T are four 3/8" mounting holes to attach light assembly to the engine. This light is mounted at the very front of the engine up high and throws a brilliant light for hundreds of feet. On top of light fixture is a data plate measuring 2-1/4" x 4". This plate is attached with four small rivets but the paint has covered the words on the plate. Wanting to keep this original, I did not sand off the excess paint - leaving this for the next owner. T is no bulb in the reflector but the socket looks perfect. Inside the fixture (see picture) t is socket for another bulb. The purpose of this bulb is to light up the number 124 on each side of the light. T is no bulb in this socket either, but socket looks perfect. Original wiring is intact, although I do not know what voltage was used at the time.

Condition: All bolts, hinges, latches and attachments are in good shape (no broken parts or castings) and the many coats of black paint have protected the surface. I assume this paint was applied by brus...

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