LG RARE ORIG WESTERN PACIFIC FEATHER RIVER ROUTE PORCELAIN ENAMEL SIGN VERIBRITE For Sale

RARE ORIGINAL WESTERN PACIFIC “FEATHER RIVER ROUTE” PORCELAIN ENAMEL SIGN – VERIBRITE – 41\" x 45\"

Offered here is an exceptionally large original Western Pacific Railroad “Feather River Route” porcelain enamel-on-steel sign, manufactured by Veribrite Signs, Chicago.

I have owned this sign for around 20 years. I purchased it on together with a second matching sign. At the time of purchase, the seller represented the pair as having been removed from a Western Pacific locomotive. Unfortunately, after all these years I no longer have the original correspondence and have not been able to independently identify the engine, tender, locomotive or class on which they were used. I am therefore passing along that history exactly as it was represented to me rather than claiming independently documented locomotive provenance.

DETAILS

• Approximately 41\" high x 45\" wide
• Porcelain enamel on heavy steel
• Marked VERIBRITE SIGNS – CHICAGO
• 16 perimeter mounting holes plus 3 additional interior holes
• Large Western Pacific FEATHER RIVER ROUTE feather emblem
• Purchased around 20 years ago as one of a matching pair
• Original, unrestored condition

FASCINATING OLD INSCRIPTION

There is an old handwritten inscription on the face of this sign which reads:

“Owns his own telephone booth, Big Wheel. Marvin Querry, Route 1, Buckner, Missouri. Employee of Goodyear, KS, MO.”

I have left the inscription completely untouched. I do not know when it was written, who wrote it, or what connection Marvin Querry had to the sign. It is simply another intriguing piece of this sign’s history that remains to be discovered.

CONDITION

This sign has seen a life!

It has extensive weathering, discoloration, porcelain loss and chipping, oxidation/rust, scratches and other wear consistent with its considerable age, exposure and likely removal process from it\'s assigned equipment. It has NOT been restored, repainted or refinished, and I have deliberately made no attempt to clean or “improve” it.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description and show the actual condition.

The substantial wear and unusual mounting pattern are also among the reasons I would love to see this sign eventually identified in a period Western Pacific photograph.

A second matching 41\" x 45\" Veribrite Feather River Route sign remains in my possession. It has the same basic mounting pattern but a distinctly different weathering pattern. ONLY THE SIGN SHOWN IN THIS LISTING IS INCLUDED IN THIS SALE. That doesn\'t mean I wouldn\'t sell it, it\'s just not included with the sign offered in this listing.

I have attempted to research the exact Western Pacific application of these signs without reaching a definitive answer. Knowledgeable Western Pacific historians and collectors are very welcome to contact me if they recognize the sign, its mounting pattern, or — best of all — can identify a period photograph showing this exact wear pattern in service.

At nearly four feet across, this is an imposing piece of Western Pacific history and would make a spectacular display for a serious railroadiana collection, railroad room, private museum, depot or other large space.

After almost two decades quietly stored in my garage, I think it deserves a new caretaker and a place where it can once again be seen and appreciated.

Perhaps its next owner can finally reconnect it with the Western Pacific equipment on which it was represented to have served.

ONE SIGN ONLY. THE MATCHING COMPANION SIGN IS NOT INCLUDED.

SHIPPING / PICKUP

Local pickup is welcome. Freight/Shipping may also be possible, but because of the sign’s large size, weight, age and porcelain surface, buyer and seller must discuss and agree upon shipping arrangements before the sign is shipped. The priority will be choosing a method that provides appropriate protection for this historic piece during transit. Shipping Cost stated above may be different depending on what method we agree on.

I am Happy to Entertain Any Questions or Conversations, simply send a message.