Silverton Railroad Co. Sterling Silver Rainbow Route Pass....

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Silverton Railroad Co. Sterling Silver Rainbow Route Pass. This 1.25" x 1.5" fob depicts a train running through a wooded mountain valley. Blue-enamel "banners" at top and bottom are inscribed "Rainbow Route Silverton Railroad". A rainbow appears overhead, with pink, green and yellow enamel. On verso: "Pass/ M. Kayser/ Complimentary/ Until Dec. 31st 1890./ Otto Mears/ President/ No. 462". Otto Mears became involved in the transportation business due to the lack of an easy way to get wheat from Saguache to the markets. In 1870, he decided to build a toll wagon road. The Territory of Colorado granted a charter, Mears formed the Poncha Pass Wagon Road Co. The road was built over Poncha Pass to the Arkansas Valley. The company was a success, allowing to Mears to build other toll roads. The Silverton Railroad was organized in 1887 and continued in operation until 1920. M. Keyser was a real estate agent who was living in Lake City, Colorado as of 1880. Passes of this type are rarely, if ever, offered at public auction. There are several Silverton flat-type passes known to exist at museums in Colorado. This is considered one of the top western railroad passes. Condition is outstanding in all respects. The reverse has attractive orange and violet toning and the original loop is present. Heritage sold an example in lesser condition in January 2009 for $11,950.