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c1920s William Crooks No 1 Great Northern Historic 8x10 Mounted Railroad Photo. Please reference photos and condition notes above. Best offer and combined shipping available. Please ask any questions before offerding.
The photograph is mounted on Royal Crest Illustrating Board manufactured by Hurlock Bros. Co., 3436–38 Market Street. The Royal Crest trademark dates to the early 20th century, with registration dating to approximately 1917, indicating that this is a vintage period-mounted photograph rather than a modern reproduction. Based on the board, photographic appearance, and known exhibition history of the locomotive, the piece likely dates from roughly the 1920s–1930s.
Of particular interest, the William Crooks was exhibited at the 1927 Fair of the Iron Horse, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad’s major centennial railroad exhibition near Baltimore, Maryland. The locomotive also appeared at other railroad exhibitions and publicity events during this period. Because of the apparent age of the mount, it is possible that this photograph originated in connection with the Fair of the Iron Horse or another contemporary exhibition. No documentation accompanies the photograph confirming the exact event or location, so this provenance should be considered possible rather than definitive.
The photograph shows the locomotive from the front/three-quarter angle with its distinctive balloon stack, large headlight, and No. 1 identification visible.
Condition shows age-related wear including fading/toning, surface marks, edge and corner wear, and several small holes through the mount, likely from previous display or mounting. Please review all photographs carefully for condition.
An appealing early railroad image with potential exhibition-era provenance and strong interest for collectors of Great Northern Railway, early steam locomotives, railroad exhibitions, and Fair of the Iron Horse memorabilia.
Overall good to fair condition. Some signs of corner curling, edge discoloration, and fading consistent with age and handling. Item as pictured.
