Railroad Memorabilia Auctions

Rail companies were a major force for transportation in the nation up until the end of WWII. Many collectors fall in love with the golden age of the railroad and will pay top dollar for the right collectibles.

Central Mass Auctions can help you sell your railroad memorabilia for the maximum amount at auction.  We work with clients throughout New England and beyond. You can contact us now, or read on to learn more.

What are examples of railroad memorabilia?

Railroad memorabilia collectors tend to collect just about everything short of trains and tracks. Often they seek out lanterns, train schedules, artwork, uniforms, dishware, pocket watches, signs, bells, buttons, switches, lanterns, signals, keys, locks, seals, advertising signs, and more. Some memorabilia from historic train stations may also have a place in their collections.

1881 Norwich & Worcester Railroad Poster For Trip To 1881 – sold at auction for $1,300

Worcester Railroad Depot Colored Engraving – sold at auction for $110

New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Hat Badges – sold at auction for $190

Worcester Street Railway Co. Hat Badge, #224 Worcester Bus – sold at auction for $200

Baltimore & Ohio Railroad dining ware

What makes some railroad memorabilia valuable?

As with all antiques, the primary determinants of value are the condition, scarcity, and popularity of the item.  In general, older items are more valuable because they’re harder to find.  If you have an item dating back to the early 1900s then it’s probably worth getting appraised, especially if it has never been damaged or subjected to an improper restoration job.

Yet much of the value depends on the collector you’re dealing with. Many focus on specific regions or railroads.  The collector who focuses on the Wild West era Rio Grande lines won’t be interested in a New York rail line time table.  Other collectors focus on specific items. Some collectors get really granular about this.  For example, there were over 200 Massachusetts railroads in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and a certain collector might be enthusiastic about a single line, whereas others may focus on the state itself.  There are a few publications and resources online that might give you a ballpark figure, but you should contact Central Mass Auctions to see if you have a valuable piece that should be placed in one of our auctions.