Model 8500 Railway Chassis Salesman Sample w Patent Archive and Foundry Patterns

c. 1920-1921; Charles V. Rote and E. W. Brown - Lancaster, PA

Extensive railway engineering presentation set centered on a large-scale aluminum salesman's sample of a Model 8500 train chassis. The detailed demonstration model incorporates a long structural frame, two removable sprung trucks, eight flanged wheels, working end couplers, connecting linkage, cross supports and removable assembly pins. The chassis rests on an assembled display track composed of metal rails mounted to a sectional wooden framework with a raised stopper at one end. Individual track sections retain guide nails along either one or both sides of the rails.

Also included is a substantial group of foundry patterns and mold components associated with production of the chassis. The pieces are arranged in a series of glass-front cardboard shadow boxes with red satin or fabric-lined interiors. Patterns represented include truck frames, coupler and linkage components, structural sections, smaller fittings and other parts corresponding to elements visible on the finished aluminum model.

The accompanying archival material documents the development and patenting of Charles V. Rote's improved pull mechanism for railway cars. The collection includes patent drawings, a United States Patent Office filing receipt, correspondence from the Washington patent law firm Cushman, Bryant & Darby, an itemized patent-preparation invoice, mailed envelopes and a framed patent-assignment document recording an interest transferred to E. W. Brown. The drawings illustrate the mechanism through multiple plan, elevation and sectional views, preserving an unusually complete record of the invention from concept and legal filing through foundry preparation and working demonstration model.

The collection is in good overall condition with expected wear, surface oxidation, discoloration and handling marks throughout based on age, use and display. The aluminum chassis remains in very good condition. Its removable pins pull out and reinsert with minimal effort, the wheels turn and the couplers move freely. The wooden track framework shows scratches, holes, finish wear, darkening and oxidation to its metal components. Some foundry pieces have detached from their original mounting positions, and several shadow boxes have protruding brad heads. One smaller case has cracked glass. The red linings show wrinkles, separation and general wear. Documents exhibit age toning, fold lines, scattered staining, edge wear and handling marks. The correspondence is housed in basic slide-together display frames, four frame pieces from which have been lost.

Track (assembled): 54" L x 8.75" W x 3" H (stopper end is tallest)
Chassis: 35.5" L x 12" W x 5.75" H
Documents: 8.5" x 11" for most
Patent document: 10.25" L x 1.5" W x 20.75" H
Boxes-largest: 20.25" L x 14.25" W x 3.25" H

MM - 22785 - 102826

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