Category: Railroad Memorabilia
Approximate Date: 1927
Location: Roanoke, Virginia
Description
This Norfolk & Western Railway (N&W Ry.) heart-shaped brass lock is marked with the date 1927 and represents a classic example of the locks used throughout the railroad’s extensive network during the early twentieth century. Commonly referred to by collectors as a “heart lock” due to its distinctive shape, these locks were used to secure railroad property, switch stands, signal equipment, storage facilities, and other critical infrastructure.
The photographs accompanying this artifact also feature examples of the barrel-style switch keys used to operate locks of this type. These specialized keys were issued to authorized railroad employees and played an important role in maintaining security and controlling access across the railroad system.
Constructed of brass for durability and resistance to corrosion, locks such as this one were designed to withstand years of outdoor service in all weather conditions. Today, surviving examples are highly sought after by railroad historians and collectors because they represent both the operational history of the Norfolk & Western Railway and the railroad’s profound impact on Roanoke and the surrounding region.
This artifact serves as a tangible reminder of the railroad workers, maintenance crews, signalmen, and railroad families whose efforts helped build and operate one of America’s most important rail transportation systems.
Historical Significance
The Norfolk & Western Railway was one of the most influential railroads in American history and played a defining role in the development of Roanoke, Virginia. The railroad transformed Roanoke from a small community into a major transportation, manufacturing, and railroad center, providing employment for thousands of residents and shaping the region’s economy for generations.
Heart-shaped brass locks such as this example were essential tools used throughout the Norfolk & Western system. These locks helped secure railroad property, switches, signals, maintenance facilities, and operational equipment that were critical to the safe movement of trains. While often overlooked, railroad locks were an important part of daily railroad operations and were carried, maintained, and used by authorized employees across the system.
Marked with the date 1927, this lock represents a period when the Norfolk & Western Railway was expanding and operating at the height of its influence. The lock and accompanying switch keys provide a tangible connection to the railroad workers, signal maintainers, train crews, and craftsmen who helped keep the railroad functioning safely and efficiently.
Today, artifacts such as this heart-shaped lock help preserve the story of the Norfolk & Western Railway and its lasting impact on the Roanoke Valley. They serve as reminders of the region’s railroad heritage and the generations of local families whose lives and livelihoods were closely tied to the railroad industry.
Collection Notes
This artifact is part of the J.W. “Josh” Holcomb Collection and has been preserved as part of the Roanoke Valley Heritage Center’s growing tangible archives. The lock will remain within the RVHC collection for preservation, research, educational purposes, future exhibits, and planned Heritage Center development initiatives.
As one of many artifacts documenting the region’s railroad history, this piece contributes to RVHC’s mission of preserving and sharing the stories, industries, businesses, and communities that helped shape the Roanoke Valley. Through both physical preservation and digital documentation, artifacts such as this lock help ensure that future generations can experience and learn from the region’s rich historical heritage.