Semaphore Pinnacles...Do They Have Value?

[wcfan4ever]

I was wondering if the pinnacle from the top of a semaphore tower had any value? I saw someone selling six of them and he did not know the value of them and niether did I so he had them at make an offer and I don't know what to offer. I think they are worth a lot but then again its not what I think. I know they are still there so I was hoping someone to tell me a value of them to the serious collector. I don't want a price to offer him, I want to know how much they are worth.

[wcfan4ever]

All I know is that they are at an antique store in Wisconsin about 100 miles from any rails. But that is a good idea, I will have to check into that.

[locomutt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by M.W. Hemphill

It depends if they have been acquired legally or not. They're frequently stolen, and if from an active semaphore it leads to precipitation entering the semaphore mast and the failure of the signal. Tampering with signals is a federal crime. I'd want to see a bill of sale from the railroad or a scrapper before I even touched them.

I DEFINTELY AGREE WITH MARK,It would be a nice find,but please be careful,and do not get into any trouble!

[Big_Boy_4005]

Railroadiana does not generally come with any providence. If you see something for sale that you like, you buy it or you don't. As with any "collectable" object, it's value is only what someone is willing to pay. It is perhaps unwise to ask about such things here.

I have accumulated a number of railroad artifacts over the years, and a couple rather large. None were in use, nor for that matter useable when they were gathered, mostly out of dumpsters. That's how most stuff finds it's way into private ownership, as discards.

What Mark said is very important and very true. However, if the items in question are being offered for sale through a store, demand a recepit. He implicates himself if they were gotten illegally, and any charges of theft won't fall on you. Possession of stolen property, even unwitting, could still be an issue. If caught you would most likely have to give up the items in question without compensation.

Still want them? Be careful!!!!

[wcfan4ever]

Thanks, I was just wondering what a fair price would be. Reason being is I need one for a semaphore tower in the backyard. I found out the guy wanted $28 a piece. From what I heard that is high and they aren't in the greatest of shape.
I have a large collection myself and everything was collected legally. From #boards, wig-wags, crossings, block signals, dwarfs, crossbucks, switches, semaphore, relays, and so on was all sold or given by the railroad to me. I never really buy at shows or online, but rather employees/retired ones. Most legal way to do it. Thanks for the info.

[Big_Boy_4005]

The truth is it sounds like you have a pretty fair idea of what you want to pay for them. The problem with antique dealers is, they think if it's old, it must be worth a lot.

I have been collecting Lionel trains for years, and one of the worst places to find a bargain is an antique store. I have seen the highest prices on some of the worst junk. It almost seems like they are out to take the unsuspecting.

All of the legal stuff aside now, because who knows where he got them. He may have picked them up at an estate sale, when some former railroad employee died. Offer him $100 for all 6 if you think that's a good price in that condition. The worst that can happen is he'll say no.

For anyone reading this topic PLEASE DON'T VANDALIZE RAILROAD PROPERTY for the sake of taking souvenirs. It is highly illegal and potentially dangerous.