Vintage photographic negative reproducing an early scene at Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, showing New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad steam locomotive No. 173 alongside Boston & Maine railroad activity.
The locomotive number plate in the foreground appears to read 173. NYNH&H No. 173 was a 2-6-0 Mogul originally built by Rogers in 1881 as New Haven & Northampton Railroad No. 23. It became New Haven No. 173 in 1887 and was renumbered No. 646 in 1904, placing the original photograph approximately in the 1887–1904 period.
Shelburne Falls was an interesting joint operating point in western Massachusetts. The New Haven operated into Shelburne Falls over trackage rights while the railroad facilities themselves were associated with the Boston & Maine/Fitchburg system. The scene shows early steam-era railroad equipment, employees and terminal structures, making it an excellent historical view rather than a standard roster photograph.
Another locomotive or tender is visible at right, apparently associated with the Boston & Maine, although the complete equipment number has not been independently confirmed.
Negative measures approximately 3.5 x 4.5 inches.
This appears to be a vintage copy negative made from an earlier photographic print, rather than the original camera negative. The image being reproduced appears to date to approximately 1887–1904. Railroad photographers and collectors commonly produced copy negatives of important earlier images for preservation and exchange.
Negative shows age-related scratches, marks, dust and other surface imperfections as photographed. Image remains well defined with excellent early railroad detail. Please review all photographs carefully for exact condition.
Overall good condition. Signs of corner, edge, and surface wear consistent with age and handling. Slight smell due to age. Item as pictured.
An especially appealing image for collectors of the New Haven Railroad, Boston & Maine Railroad, New Haven & Northampton, Shelburne Falls railroad history, Massachusetts railroads, early steam locomotives and New England railroad photography.
Related Items:
C1900 New Departure Coaster Hub Bicycle Brake Pin Stickpin Whitehead Hoag
$17.99
Washington D.C. 1900 New Education Illustrated Arithmetic Title Page Print
$13.49
Modoc Indians in their new home c1900 Old Photo
$5.33
