FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some frequently-asked questions:

Q. What is happening to KL&L?

The trustees of Key, Lock & Lantern have resolved to put the organization and magazine publishing schedule back on track. We invite all collectors to become involved in KL&L. See Join KL&L.

Q. What is my item worth?

A. This is probably the most common question, but unfortunately we are unable to appraise items online for several major reasons: (1) Our organization cannot undertake the liability associated with appraisals; (2) the scope of railroad items is so vast that we simply do not have the readily-available expertise to cover all items; and (3) appraising items based on images or descriptions (as opposed to in-person) is inadvisable and even risky. Some general advice on determining value: (1) Look for similar items on online auctions like Ebay -- the number of online collectors is large enough that fair market values are usually achieved; (2) consult price guides; (3) attend railroadiana shows in your area and/or seek out knowledgeable collectors. Given the rapidly changing nature of railroadiana values, even knowledgeable collectors have trouble determining values.

Q. Where can I get parts for restoring my item?

A. A list of part sources can be found on the Restoration Page of the Railroadiana Online website. Our organization does not endorse any particular parts dealer or restoration product, nor do we sell parts of any kind.

Q. Is my item a "railroad" item?

A. The most common way of identifying an item as having been used or owned by a railroad is to note railroad initials, markings, or exclusive characteristics. In the case of initials, even this can be questionable when several railroads used the same initials. In the absence of railroad markings, the best that can be said in most instances is that something is "railroad style", meaning that an item is similar in basic characteristics to other items of known railroad origin. For example, many "railroad style" lanterns were used in other industrial operations, so style alone is no guarantee of railroad use or ownership. In the case of some china patterns that were known to have been used exclusively by a given railroad, authenticity may be established on this basis.

Q. My item has initials on it. What do they stand for?

A. Sometimes this can be a difficult question to answer. If the initials have "RR" or "Ry", then collectors consult several standard references, particular Edson and Gross for good guesses. The absence of "RR" or "Ry" may mean than initials represent a non-railroad company; however, some interurban and traction (streetcar) operations did not use "RR" or "Ry" in their names, so this must be also taken into account. Some collectors check our lantern surveys for possibilities.

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