DSP&P switch stand (pic)

Railroad Memories current auction has up for auction a very rare switchstand from Alpine Tunnel. Here is the listing which tells the story behind this artifact.

Lot: 128 Description: UPRY 1883 – raised letters on cast iron harp switch stand from Alpine Tunnel. The NO. 1 is cast on the reverse. Without a doubt one of the stars of this issue this amazing piece of Colorado history was obtained in the 40’s by a group of three long time Colorado railroad enthusiasts which included Irv August, Ed Haley and Dan Peterson. The group apparently made a heavy wooden cart with pneumatic tires and handles similar to a wheelbarrow but much heavier. They hiked over the pass to Alpine from Hancock the closest place to drive at the time. The switch stand was loaded on the cart and off they went. It was late fall and it started to rain as dusk neared. It was tough going as the stand was obviously very heavy and progress was slow. Dan who was a heavy smoker and did not do well at altitude, besides being cold, wet and tired, decided he could not go on. He sat down and refused to go any further. He instructed the others to go on without him but of course that would not be the case. So they hid the stand in the trees somewhere and Dan was loaded on to the cart for the journey up and over the pass back to Hancock. Winter set in that night so it wasn’t until the following summer that the trio made a second trip back to retrieve the stand. Ed Haley had this until his passing at which time it was acquired by Ed Gerlits and Stu Anderson. Has it not been for these early railroad historians this amazing relic could have been lost to time. There is a photo of a Harp Switch stand missing the shaft in the Denver South Park & Pacific book on page 212. The photo was taken in the 40’s. It is believed that this is that switch stand. The switch stand now has a replacement shaft and has been painted and restored for display. The shaft is held in place with a nut and bolt. As few of these have survived it is my pleasure to be able to offer this great piece of early Colorado narrow gauge history to be enjoyed and valued by its next caretaker. I would prefer that this be picked up from my location however, if the buyer chooses it can be freighted and crated at the new owners expense. I am glad to store this for however long it needs to be if it can in fact be picked up.

Minimum bid: $2,000
Current Bid: $2,000

Additional photos on the auction website listing for Lot # 128