Sold: Disaster Souvenir

Locomotive air brake handle stamped to memorialize a deadly train accident / bronze / c. 1890s

On August 21, 1900 at about 8:45 pm, extra freight train No. 696 struck the rear of freight train No. 90 in Kensico, New York. Brakeman William Abriel, 36, fireman Henry Cassidy, 35, and engineer William Lauterbach, 40, were killed. Rear brakeman George Donovan of No. 90 — which was in the process of loading freight — claimed to have lit a red signal at some distance up the track indicating danger, but failed to observe protocol and man the back of the stationary train with a flag.

The collision threw seventeen cars from the tracks, scattering the 696 cargo of ice in melting heaps. The men were either killed on impact or died soon thereafter from injuries sustained. After the crash, authorities found the warning signal was dark. The ruined freight cars were quickly set fire to clear the tracks.

This souvenir from the accident is a bronze locomotive air brake handle taken from the wreckage of Engine 696. Recognizing the impending collision too late, Engineer Lauterbach applied the brake shortly before impact.

Bent by the force of the impact, the brake handle is stamped with the date and location of the accident. “3 KILLED” is impressed where the engineer would have placed his hand.

Condition

Antique patina. Dramatically contorted from the accident.

Measurements

10 inches long

1.5 inches wide