Vintage Aurora Heavy Solid Brass Train Locomotive Reverser Handle 8204980 For Sale

Vintage Aurora Brand Heavy Solid Brass Train Locomotive Reverser Handle 8204980

Authentic vintage Aurora heavy brass locomotive reverser handle, part number 8204980, made for use with an EMD locomotive control stand.

This is not a conventional railroad switch or padlock key. A locomotive reverser handle was a removable operating component used by the engineer at the locomotive control stand to select the direction of travel. Railroad equipment references specifically identify 8204980 as an EMD “handle reverser, control stand” / reverser handle, and replacement-parts suppliers continue to cross-reference this number as a brass locomotive reverser handle.

The handle is an especially substantial vintage example, weighing approximately 1 lb. 0.2 oz. It features a large rectangular cast brass grip, cylindrical neck and shaft, and the distinctive notched operating end designed to engage the locomotive’s reverser mechanism.

One recessed side of the handle bears the distinctive AURORA trademark within a diamond-shaped cartouche. The mark has become faint through age and use but remains visible under appropriate lighting. The opposite recessed side is clearly stamped:

8204980

Other documented examples with this exact configuration have been identified as Aurora brass locomotive reverser handles, including examples carrying the same 8204980 number, approximately 6-inch length and approximately 1-pound weight.

Details:

* Vintage railroad locomotive equipment

* Aurora maker

* Diamond-shaped Aurora trademark

* EMD locomotive application

* Part number 8204980

* Locomotive reverser handle / reverser key

* Heavy brass construction

* Approximately 6” long

* Approximately 1 lb. 0.2 oz.

* Large rectangular cast grip

* Cylindrical operating shaft

* Notched reverser-control end

* Removable locomotive control component

* Original aged surface

* Sold as found and unpolished

The brass retains an attractive naturally aged appearance with darkened areas, oxidation, spotting, rubbing, scratches and considerable surface variation consistent with years of railroad use and subsequent storage. The Aurora trademark is considerably more worn than the 8204980 stamping but can still be seen in the recessed grip.

The piece has not been aggressively polished, preserving the aged surface and character desirable in original railroad operating equipment.

This particular configuration is well documented among surviving railroad reverser handles. The 8204980 number continues to appear in railroad equipment references as an EMD reverser/control-stand handle, while surviving vintage brass examples are commonly identified with the Aurora name.

An excellent substantial piece of vintage railroadiana for a collection of locomotive equipment, EMD memorabilia, railroad operating hardware, engineer’s equipment, diesel locomotive artifacts or American transportation history.

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