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A Curious Book

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  • Member since
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A Curious Book
Posted by mersenne6 on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 11:05 AM

  The discussion in one of the other threads concerning a book treasure brought to mind this book  "The Album of Autographs of Representative Railroad Men of the United States". 

  There's no preface, no explanatory text concerning the why and wherefore of the reason for the book and no after word.  The signatures are in random order and run the gamut from just a signature to a signature along with a bit of personal information such as residence, railroad of current employment, current occupation, etc.   The signature style would suggest the book was compiled in either the late 19th Century or early 20th.

  The first 30 pages are an alphabetical index of the signatures listing the name and the page on which the signature can be found.

  In alphabetical order the first and last names are Ackert, L.H. and Zugen, Henry H.  In case you are wondering Ackert indicated he worked for the EJ&E and Mr. Zugen worked for the CNJ.

  This is the most unusual book of railroad history I have seen.

  • Member since
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  • From: Henrico, VA
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Posted by Flintlock76 on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 1:43 PM

That is kind of unusual, I wonder what the purpose of the was originally?  Still it's a great find.

The closest I've come to the same was at an antique show where the seller had a turn of the 20th Century book titled "The History Of The Baldwin Locomotive Works" by Samuel Vauclain and autographed  by Vauclain.  I was really tempted but I didn't want to spend the $100 the seller wanted.  I'm not sorry I passed on it though.

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Posted by pennytrains on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 5:43 PM

The only use I can think of for a book like that would be for forging passes.  Tongue Tied

Big Smile  Same me, different spelling!  Big Smile

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Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, January 20, 2023 5:33 AM

A strange book and curious book indeed.  

The only books I have with signatures are those of the authors.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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