I spoke last time about the sometime unwieldy nature of collecting traffic signals. Their obvious size and shape should theoretically make them the least likely candidate for collection and display. After all they are specifically sized and designed for outdoor use.
People around the world collect just about anything from autographs to traffic cones and it would seem that many things traffic related are collectible. Street signs, cones, street lights, parking bollards, the list goes on. By comparison, the modern traffic light does not present itself as an item to be collected individually, nevermind en masse.
The first traffic lights were more like revolving lanterns with tinted glass, most likely based on railway lanterns. The earliest was 1868 in England, described as I have stated and powered with gas. Here in America, the first was invented by Lester Wire and resembled a birdhouse. Later (1920) William Potts would be credited with the invention of the first 3 color light a.k.a. The Potts Light in collector circles.
Wait a minute…did you say collector circles? People are collecting these things? Absolutely. There’s a whole community for stuff like this. But the whole community is spread out out over several platforms and social media pages as well as web pages. Mr. Jerry Bock, for example has a fantastic web page regarding his collection. But a couple years back he began to think about its future. The enormity of it made him wonder what would become of it when the time came that collecting would no longer be an issue.
Being well known among the collectors, he sought to find buyers for some of the pieces he had the least attachment to. As a result some of this collection found new homes to those who appreciated it the most. I was fortunate enough to have been bequeathed his reproduction Potts light, in exchange for assisting he and his family in touring the city on their Memorial Day vacation a couple years back. A long time New York resident, I’d seen enough of the city to help out with the points they wanted to see and I was able to show them a good time (so they tell me). I’m forever grateful for his generosity.
Wait a minute… collector circles? People are collecting these things?
I expect that someday I too will need to find a new home for my collection which not only includes traffic lights but a humongous collection of signs.
they’re not your grandmother’s thimble collection
Right now I’m going through the ‘pain’ (for a second time I might add) another fellow collector went through several years ago. That of having to move the unwieldy but most precious (none more precious) signal collection. Known best as Signalfan. he had a fabulous backyard ‘signal garden’ at his residence in California.
http://www.signalfan.com/index.html
Spectacular neon pedestrian signals, Econolite heads shouded with huge California backplates. Classic Crouse Hinds deco signals and fantastic electromechanical controllers.
http://www.signalfan.com/bio/garden.htm
Eventually he moved halfway across the country and had to relocate his ‘garden’. A herculean effort best handled by professionals. His prep work in dismantling everything went a long way in getting things moved and established in his new home. Certainly moving was not a bad thing as the current incarnation of his collection is just as fascinating to view and he has since incorporated his love of model railroading in with that, a fantastic HO gauge layout named the Des Moine Valley Railroad.
So go ahead. Collect away. Last count shows over a 150 brands of signals and accessories produced over a period of 100 years and that doesn’t even include European models. However, just remember, they’re not your grandmother’s thimble collection.
Consider the fact that at some point there might be a relocation in your future or that you might outgrow your desire to collect signals. But have an exit strategy if that day comes when your collection needs to move on.
I sell signals…
…and signal related equipment through Facebook and eBay. Please look at my ebay listings and then contact me at 3liteguy Signal Salvage – Traffic Signals for Sale to purchase.
All photos ©2020 3feetfromthestreet except as noted
3 Feet From The Street 