Does anyone know what happened to the company that made most (if not all) of the drumheads (the glass not the housing) for passenger trains in their glory days? They have been around since the late 1800’s. They manufactured the “Pearl Train” glass pictures for the Rock Island Railroad from the 1880’s that were on display at the European Exposition at the opening of the Eiffel Tower. The companies name was the Western Sand Blast Company and they were based in Chicago. It seems they are out of business or have been bought out by another firm. I delt with them back in the early 1980’s in which I ordered an actual glass drumhead of the Milwaukee Road Olympian Hiawatha. They used the original pattern from their stock and produced a beautiful double glass “jewel”. I would like to locate them to order other drumheads. If anyone has any information on this company I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!
Greetings,
I have information on Western Sand Blast. They are indeed out of business. They closed their doors in 1988. After the death of Bob Pyne Jr., the owner.
I make glass signs and would be more than happy to make you a glass drumhead sign.
You can contact me at avisanna@yahoo.com for more information.
Robare M. Novou