Antique 1879 \"Catechism of the Locomotive\" by Matthias N. Forney - Early 17th... For Sale

Up for sale is a highly collectible, early-generation copy of the classic 19th-century railroading reference Catechism of the Locomotive by mechanical engineer Matthias N. Forney. This specific volume was published in 1879 by The Railroad Gazette in New York and is explicitly marked as part of the \"Seventeenth Thousand\" print run.This historic text served as the definitive practical handbook for engineers, firemen, and mechanics during the peak of the American steam era. It is highly prized by railroad historians for its detailed technical explanations and intricate line engravings of steam train anatomy.Condition Report:Cover/Spine: Original brown cloth binding. Shows typical age-related shelf wear, softening to the spine ends, and rubbing along the corners and edges as pictured. Spine gilt lettering and the decorative locomotive emblem remain completely legible.Binding: The text block remains tight, stable, and securely bound.Pages: The pages show standard antique age-toning but remain clean, crisp, and fully legible. No significant water damage or heavy modern ink markings.Illustrations & Plates (PREMIUM FIND): This copy features both Plate I (\"American Locomotive\") and Plate II (\"Longitudinal Section of American Locomotive\") by the Grant Locomotive Works of Paterson, New Jersey. Both multi-panel technical fold-outs are fully present, securely attached, and in exceptionally crisp condition. They display only minimal wear along the original crease lines and are remarkably free from the heavy tearing or separations that usually plague these fragile inserts.Please review all high-resolution photos carefully to assess the cosmetic condition for yourself. This is a premium-grade addition to any serious railroadiana, steam engine, or Americana book collection.