What became of the Old Ironsides replica?

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

“Old Ironsides” was Matthias Baldwin’s first locomotive, built for the Philadelphia, Germantown & Norristown Railroad in 1832.

Well, it was scrapped, but late in the 19th century, the Baldwin works built an operational replica. I know that for a while it was in the possession of the “Field Columbian Museum” in Chicago, which later became the present Field Museum.

I have send emails to them, and they must think I am crazy looking for a locomotive, and seem to have no idea that they ever owned it.

Does anybody know what became of this replica? Is it mouldering in a warehouse somewhere?

2

I’ve written once again to the Field Museum on this question. Maybe it will get to somebody who can actually look it up.

3

I would suggest contacting the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago

as compared to the Field Museum of Natural History.

4

I will try there, too. But the “Field Columbian Museum” is the direct predecessor of the present-day Field Museum. And according to the official history of the Baldwin company, they were the owners of the piece.

Thanks!

-Ben