The Midland Railway crest

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THE MIDLAND RAILWAY ASSEMBLAGE TRAILS
"The Enthusiast's Trail"
Stop Twelve: The Gate Boss

Back toward the far end, looking below the fine collection of Qualcast lawnmowers (all made in Derby)...

A colourfully painted cast lead version of the Midland Railway's crest.

Stop 12

Where: B5 orange

What: Cast gate boss

Material: Cast lead

Why: Why is a good question and we don't know! This Midland Railway “first” (i.e. pre 1906) armorial device is cast in lead with hand detailing and has been brightly painted, though this is likely modern restoration. This design is identical in size and pattern to what appears on Burton & Ashby Light Railway trolley poles sited in public areas. However, these are cast directly into the iron poles. This has a slight curvature to it and two lugs cast into the rear for mounting it. The purpose and original location of this item are both unknown, though it has been referred to as a “gate boss”. Can you help answer this conundrum?

Ref: RFB31674

Another viewe of the crest alongside a view of its rear showin gthe mounting lugs