SOUTH AFRICAN RAILWAYS BRASS LOCOMOTIVE CABSIDE PLATE E231
Dimensions: 52.5 × 37 × 1 cm
Material: Solid cast brass
Condition: Original patina, unrestored
🔷 Description
A highly desirable original South African Railways (SAR) brass locomotive cab-side plate, bearing the raised oval border text SOUTH AFRICAN RAILWAYS / SUIDAFRIKAANSE SPOORWEE and the striking central designation E231.
This substantial plate is cast in thick, solid brass and retains its authentic industrial patina. Its original mounting holes are intact and show expected operational wear consistent with service use. Plates of this size and specification were fitted to SAR locomotives as primary visual identifiers, making them iconic pieces of African railway heritage.
The Eclass designation places this plate among the electric locomotive categories of SAR, prized for their engineering significance and increasing scarcity in the collector market.
🔷 Features
Authentic SAR artifact with bilingual raised lettering
Large, heavy cast brass plate ideal display presence
Historic patina preserved; no modern polishing or restoration
Collectorpreferred size: 52.5 cm wide (matches documented auctioned SAR cabside plates) [gnrauctions.co.uk]
Bold raised E231 numbering, excellent depth and definition
🔷 Condition Report
Solid brass structure with no structural cracks
Natural ageing and operational wear present
Original bolthole oxidation and surface patina
No evidence of repainting
Ideal candidate for either display as is or professional restoration
