Here is a switch lock and key set from the New York Central Railroad. It dates from between 1935 and 1968, the time period when the NYC referred to itself as New York Central System. Both pieces are stamped NYCS. Both were made by ADLAKE and both are stamped with that mark as well.

THE KEY is brass and a superb example. It is a very appealing, rich deep brass color with a great patina. Collectors will appreciate it has "just the right amount" of wear. It is stamped on the bow with serial number 69240. There is some slightest surface discoloration.

THE LOCK works well with the key . It has ADLAKE in raised letters stamped down the face of the dust cover drop. It has an original chain that attaches directly into the lock body instead of a clevis loop. The internal spring is extremely strong -- the drop resists hard when pushed aside, and snaps back hard when released. On the back is stamped NYCS and below that PAT MAR 20 1929

This would be a great starter set for a young collector, or to use as a trade.

The New York Central Railroad emerged in 1914 from mergers of its predecessor the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad. During its early years, the name New York Central Lines was often used, then in August 1935 further revisions resulted in a change to New York Central System. This lasted until 1968, when the U.S. government forced a merger with the New York Central and the Pennsylvania Railroad to create the Pennsylvania and New York Central Transportation Company (usually referred to as "Penn Central").