Yosemite Valley Railroad Locomotive Whistle

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Yosemite Valley Railroad Locomotive Whistle

Yosemite Valley railroad locomotive whistle. This whistle, although not marked as are the lanterns, is also from Engine No. 23 of the Yosemite Valley Railroad. The Yosemite Railroad opened for passenger business in 1907, the year that they purchased Engine No. 23, a 4-4-0. She was built by ALCO, and sold to the Yosemite Valley Railroad for $14,735. The route ran from Merced to to El Portal where the passengers de-trained, spent the night in a tent-hotel before proceeding to Yosemite itself on horse drawn wagons. This route became so popular that by the early 1920s the train carried up to 2000 people a day, added Pullman cars, and hosted luminaries such as John Muir, W.R. Hearst, King Albert of Belgium, and FDR. Despite the comfort and convenience of the rail line, by 1926 the State had completed a highway that went straight into Yosemite, and the Railroad began a decline, culminating in bankruptcy and closure in 1945. Engine No. 23 stayed in the area for some time, being used for switching operations. She was scrapped around 1949, and these few pieces of her are the last remaining relics of one of the most popular of the Yosemite Valley Railroads' steam engines. Dimensions: 26"h x 11"w. Processing and shipping within the continental U.S $70.00 plus 1.5% replacement insurance fee.

Provenance:The estate of David Hunt (1953-1990) Piedmont CA. Then by family descent, member of Golden Gate live steamers.

Condition:

Scattered wear, please see photos.

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Estimate: $1,000 - $2,500

Unsold/Reserve Not Met

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Witherell strives to provide as much information and photographs as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Condition statements are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Witherell. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms and Conditions. Methods of payment are cash, check, money orders, or wire transfer for foreign payments. Please note we do not accept credit cards. This auction has a buyer's premium of 15%.

ANTIQUE WEAPONS AND WESTERN AMERICANA

Yosemite Valley Railroad Locomotive Whistle