12: HARRY BOCKEWITZ PAINTING OF M&StL ORIGINAL COLOR SCHEME

Harry Bockewitz (1897-1982)
The Peoria Gateway (1945)
The crisp and colorful original tempera painting on artist's illustration board is signed along the railway ballast lower right.

The logo on the front of this locomotive says that the Minneapolis & St. Louis was the 'Peoria Gateway.' It never reached St. Louis but did reach Peoria, where it connected with several other railroads. The railroad purchased this three-unit FT locomotive, 445A, 445B and 445C, in 1945 along with sister three-unit 545. This cheerful color scheme was originally applied to these locomotives. In addition to the highly visible colors, the '445' on the nose is spelled out in reflective markers that make it even more visible at night. As with most railroads, the scheme was simplified In later years and on later locomotive models until it was just red with a white stripe.
Sight size through the mat is 13.5 x 20.5, measures 18 x 25 inches overall.
Very good original untouched condition. There are no issues of major scratches, losses, stain, repairs, in-painting or touch-up.
Provenance: The Fred Roniger Estate Collection.
$500 - $5,000