Doler Zink

Umm... That is original...

As Dennis wrote, Lionel must have had Doler do some casting for them. I have original prewar Lionel  lamp posts that are marked with their logo.

Thanks Dennis, I was curious since I've never seen this mark on my other pre-war locos.  It seems solid enough, that's for sure! 

Doler zinc was one of the die casting contractors that Lionel used for both standard and o gauge during the "classic period" and most times their mark can be found on original frames and some other larger castings.  One way to know for sure that you have an original frame is if you see the " Doler Zinc " mark. There are of course other ways, but that one is a "fer sure"!

Thanks Rob and Dennis... it's good to know more about these trains, and you've definitely helped me in that effort.

And what does the Doler Zinc mark look like?

Here's a shot of the base of a Lionel #53 Lamp Post showing the Doler Zinc casting mark.

Ron M

Ron, thank you for your trouble getting this posted. Take care.

Ok... now I REALLY feel foolish:  just looked at a 249E of mine and found -- wait for it -- the Doler mark!  (This is what I get for being a seasonal tinplater )