14: A RARE SALESMAN'S SAMPLE RAIL CAR COUPLER CIRCA 1915

The 'Sharon' model - an excellent example in nice condition, made by The National Malleable Castings Company of Cleveland Ohio, the nicely finished cherry wood block serves as a mount to display a model of the car coupling mechanism with finely cast solid iron knuckle retaining its original surface patina and traces of the original copper flash accents, bears an embossed brass tag that reads - MANUFACTURED BY - THE NATIONAL MALLEABLE CASTING CO. CLEVELAND OHIO, original copper flash decoration to the lift lever mechanism and center beam and the offset bell-form base. The latest patent date is 1905. See the Autumn 2018 issue of The Railroadiana Express Magazine Volume XLVII, No 3, page 30 'Collecting Couplers' for additional information on salesman's sample rail car couplers. Note the presence of the hook mounted on the left hand underneath side of the cherry wood block which is often lost.
Measures 5.5 h x 8.5 x 6 inches wide.
Very good condition, noting some loss of finish and a minor split in the cherry wood block and some minor house paint splatter, no damage, loss or repair.
$1,500 - $2,000