Would antique be the proper word for books pre !900 ? I just bought a book dated 1876 for $20 at a local second hand book store: Hard cover, binding slightly torn, otherwise in excellent condition… Rule book for the Midland Railway (England) … Midland Railway Rules and Regulations For the Guidance of the Officers and Men in the Service of the Midland Railway Company September, 1876.
Numerous postings about recent books & collectors… Just interested to hear from others who have similar dated books such as this one.
Public and employee timetables and rule books are always popular. The older and more obscure the railroad often the better! Before there were rule books there were instructions and notes on timetables, the rule book becomeing more into fashion after ca. 1860-1870. Even bad condition of pre 1900 pieces can be accepted more than post 1900 stuff. I think you’ve got a real gem there!
I went to the rare book dealer near my house. He spent a considerable abount of time on the internet & said the best I could get for the book would be around $50. & there was not much of a demand for rr books of that era. If I got it professionaly bound, the price would be prohibiive & would not increase the value the book by very much. An antique dealer is having an open house show here & I can get it appraised for a cost of $5. which I will do next Saturday.
Here’s a few of the interesting rules found in this book:
If a vehicle or portion of a Train has escaped, and is running away in the proper direction on the right Line, the section in advance must be advised of the fact by giving on the bell or gong the signal, The Signalman, receiving this signal must if nexessary, send the signal forward, and must take such other measures as he may consider most expedient under the corcumstances
When a horse is used on the Railway, a man must, in all cases, have hold of its head, whether the horse is drawing vehicles or not.
Guards performing shunting operations at Sidings must, in all cases, take care that the vehicles are left clear of the Main Line, and within the Safety Points and Scotch Blocks, and that the points fall properly, and the Scotch Blocks are replaced across the rails after the operation is completed.
Prisoners under the charge of police, and persons affiliated with insanity, must not be placed with other passengers, but in a separate compartment.
THIS IS A GOOD ONE …No Engine must be allowed to be in motion on the Main Line, unless both the Enginedriver and Fireman are upon it.