Cast Iron "SW" sign

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CGWX38

New Member
Can anyone help me identify this sign? It is 17inches by 13 inches and is made of cast iron. I know that SW is used in Britain for "sound whistle" but two museums in the UK have told me my sign is not of British origin. P1040773.jpgP1040772.jpgView attachment 130399
 

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Yes, that's true. Their signs were not oval like this one, however. The folks at Didcot assured me that it is not of GWR origin.
 
Can you give us some more info on the background of the sign such as where you found it, etc? I also suggest you add your location to your public profile or signature line, which may alert members who live in your area.
 
I purchased the sign at the Kane County flea market about 10 years ago. The vendor thought it stood for "switch". Another vendor told me he thought it might have been used by the TPW (Toledo, Peoria and Western).
 
This would indeed be a Toledo Peoria and Western sign. They all had the setup on the back to mount on a piece of rail post. The SW would be for "Station Whistle", indicating the need to whistle for an upcoming station. I have an "XW" sign which is the standard crossing whistle sign. I've also seen "Stop" signs in the same oval configuration.
 
This would indeed be a Toledo Peoria and Western sign. They all had the setup on the back to mount on a piece of rail post. The SW would be for "Station Whistle", indicating the need to whistle for an upcoming station. I have an "XW" sign which is the standard crossing whistle sign. I've also seen "Stop" signs in the same oval configuration.

Thanks for the information. I wish I could find a photo to confirm. Purchased two books on the TP&W and neither had a photo of the SW sign.
 
I do quite a bit of research on iron signs and also collect photos of them in service. I've unfortunately also have not seen any on the TP&W. If if find any, I'll certainly let you know! If you find any, keep me in the loop as well.
 




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