Important Two Day Auction of

Antique Railroadiana

The Collection of Phil and Beverly Birks

Weekend of October 27, 2018

The Bidding Catalog will be uploaded in parts, starting with part one Wednesday evening.

The Birks have been collecting Railroadiana for more than 40 years. They worked as a team, both very knowledgeable about the history of the American Railroad, each with their own areas of interest and together enjoying their shared interests. For 32 of those years they promoted the annual Kane County Railroad show. This and their overall knowledge and interest in the field brought Phil and Beverly into contact with many rare and interesting items. They focused special attention on collecting the original Trade Catalogs and Brochures of the Railroad industry 1880 to 1970. In this area, they have amassed what may be the most important collection of valuable reference ever assembled.
A preliminary listing of what you can expect includes:
  • A Serious Collection of 19th Century Railway Car Lighting: Ceiling Center Lights and Chandeliers, Postal Car Side Lights, Side Candle Lamps with Etched Globes, Oil Burning Side Lights, Globes, Chimneys, Reflectors, Smoke Deflectors and More
  • Early 20th Century Rail Car Lighting with Art Glass Shades
  • Stained and Leaded Glass Rail Car Windows
  • Ornately Cast Berth Hardware and Platform Plaques
  • Rail Car Furniture, Smoke Stands and Table Lamps
  • Ornate Cast Wall Racks and Shelves
  • An Outstanding Collection of 19th and Early 20th Century Trade Catalogs
  • Brass Presentation and Other Lanterns
  • Switch and Signal Lamps
  • Railroad Keys and Locks
  • Framed Builders Photos and Advertising Placards
  • Dining Car China and Crystal
  • Cast Iron and Fused Glass RR Company Paperweights
  • Linens, Bedding and Blankets
  • Caps, Badges and Pins
  • Books, Cyclopedias, Handbooks and Ephemera
  • Everything Pullman – From a Flashlight marked Pullman to the Six-inch thick Compendium of all things Pullman
A 1930 Bronze Safety Award for B&O Railroad
A 1930 Bronze Safety Award for B&O Railroad
An Extensive Collection of Rare 19th Century Rail Car Lighting Fixtures
An Extensive Collection of Rare 19th Century Rail Car Lighting Fixtures
Paper Advertising and Ephemera
Paper Advertising and Ephemera
Railroad Hardware and Locomotive Items
Railroad Hardware and Locomotive Items
An Important Collection of Railway Supply Trade Catalogs, Guides, Handbooks and Cyclopedias
An Important Collection of Railway Supply Trade Catalogs, Guides, Handbooks and Cyclopedias
Early Lanterns and Locomotive Headlights
Early Lanterns and Locomotive Headlights
Original Railroad Advertising Illustration Art
Original Railroad Advertising Illustration Art
Pullman Items of All Descriptions
Pullman Items of All Descriptions
All Manner of Passenger Car Fixtures, Castings and Appliances
All Manner of Passenger Car Fixtures, Castings and Appliances
Burlington Route
Burlington Route
Choice Examples and Full Sets of Dining Car China
Choice Examples and Full Sets of Dining Car China
Fine and Rare 19th and Early 20th Century Railroadiana
Fine and Rare 19th and Early 20th Century Railroadiana
Railroad Passenger Car Installations and Architectural
Railroad Passenger Car Installations and Architectural
Rare Salesman's Sample Rail Car Coupler
Rare Salesman's Sample Rail Car Coupler