This is a new one to me. It looks very european but the name sounds american.
Anyone have info on this company?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5970164303&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
Rock and Gräner was German toy company that was founded in 1813. During the mid-ninteenth century, they were one of the largest toy manufacturers in Germany. They made a wide variety of high-quality toys (similar to Märklin). Starting in the 1890’s, they offered a wide variety of toy trains and acessories, including some export models for foreign markets. The company changed owners in 1896. However, by this time they were nowhere nearly as big and powerful as manufacturers like Märklin and Bing. They were just too small to compete with them in the market and closed down in 1905.
Needless to say, their trains and accessories are extremely rare. I think I have only seen one other piece made by Rock and Gräner on ebay before. It was a signal tower that went for around $2000.
that is stunning
There was a spectacular Rock and Granor station/pedestrian overpass combination that sold at the Ward Kimball auction last year. If memory serves me right the overpass went for $75,000 and I believe the station was similarly priced. Of course the two pieces in question (three actually since the station was complete with a disconnected other-side-of-the-tracks platform and passenger shelter) were their top of the line and considering the near new condition probably fell into the realm of near one-of-a-kind.
Thanks for the responses guys. Always enjoy learning about those smaller companies that made great toys long ago.