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Lot of two vintage 8\" x 10\" Burlington Route / Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad photographs featuring early streamlined Zephyr equipment.
The most significant photograph shows the Mark Twain Zephyr, with the named cars “Injun Joe” and “Becky Thatcher” clearly visible. The photograph bears a large handwritten presentation inscription on the front and is dated 11/25/35. The Mark Twain Zephyr had only entered service in October 1935, making the date especially interesting. Burlington Route Historical Society records also document the Mark Twain Zephyr on an exhibition tour during November 1935. Burlington Route Historical Society
The second photograph is a dramatic head-on view of an early Burlington Route shovel-nose Zephyr beneath a station/train shed. This print has an unusual heavy linen/textured backing and bears later Charles A. Brown, Sutton, Massachusetts collection/publication stamps on the reverse, including “PLEASE DO NOT COPY – PUBLICATION RIGHTS RESTRICTED.”
The two photographs were found together, and their association is important. The dated November 25, 1935 inscription on the Mark Twain Zephyr photograph supports a period origin for the group, although the exact photographer and printing history of the individual photographs have not been established.
The Mark Twain Zephyr print is especially desirable because it dates from approximately one month after the train\'s October 25, 1935 christening. An institutional collection at the Hannibal Free Public Library also holds original 8x10 photographs from the October 25 dedication. Hannibal Free Public Library
Condition: Vintage condition with expected age-related handling, edge/corner wear, toning and minor surface imperfections. The linen/textured-backed photograph shows some staining/age marks to the reverse. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition. Handwritten inscription/signature has not been professionally authenticated.
