RPPC ICC Locomotive 456 Railroad Crew Group Photo Early Steam Engine Real Photo

Condition: *Please* use the Hip photo magnifier to check for flaws on each picture, mouse over to zoom and ... Read more about the seller notes *Please* use the Hip photo magnifier to check for flaws on each picture, mouse over to zoom and click to enlarge. Comes from a smoke free home. Common errors from the scanner vs damage are digital lines (usually grey or pink), cutting off the top of the card/words. Read Less about the seller notes

This is an original real photo postcard (RPPC) featuring a remarkable and uncommon view of Locomotive No. 456, marked I.C.C. on the cab and steam domes, along with a full railroad work crew posed proudly in front of the engine. The photograph appears to date from the 1900s–1910s, based on clothing styles, locomotive design, and the VELOX stamp box on the reverse (used c. 1907–1917).The image shows a classic early steam locomotive with beautiful detail—large domes, polished numbers, exposed mechanical components, and a tall smokestack. The tender is marked 156, suggesting an internal company numbering system, and the handwritten name “Ball” in the corner likely identifies the photographer or studio.In front of the locomotive stands a crew of roughly ten railroad workers. They wear typical early 20th-century work attire: suspenders, work shirts, overalls, broad-brim hats, and sturdy boots. A foreman or engineer rests with one knee up near the pilot, while the others stand at attention along the track. The setting includes tropical-looking vegetation—possibly palmettos or banana-like leaves—indicating this may have been taken in a southern or Caribbean region, where some railroads operated under initials such as International Contracting Company, Isthmian Canal Commission, or other regional lines with the same abbreviation.The Isthmian Canal Commission (I.C.C.) was heavily involved in building rail lines and transport infrastructure in Panama during the construction of the Panama Canal (1904–1914), and many RPPCs from that project show similar locomotives, environments, and work crews. While not definitively labeled, the setting and locomotive markings strongly resemble known ICC construction engines used in Panama during that era.This postcard captures the grit, pride, and physical labor of early railroad work—an invaluable historical glimpse into steam-era operations far from major urban lines.? Details:Type: Real Photo Postcard (RPPC)Subject: Steam locomotive No. 456 with full railroad work crewMarkings: I.C.C. on locomotive; 456 and 156 visible; “Ball” on lower leftPossible Origin: Early 20th-century southern or tropical region; likely construction or industrial lineApprox. Era: 1907–1917 (based on VELOX stamp box and attire)Back: Divided back, VELOX photographic paperCondition: Light corner/edge wear, some age-related toning and spotting; image remains strong with excellent detail. (See scans)A standout addition for collectors of early steam locomotives, construction railroads, Panama Canal–era material, industrial labor history, or rare RPPC railroad photography.

Seller Information

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thepapergallery2 (2192)

Registered Since

06/23/2010

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Store

The Paper Gallery

Item Location

California, United States

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Worldwide

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No