Engraving - Passenger Trains On The Liverpool–manchester Line – Jupiter And North Star - 19th Century

The top image shows the Jupiter locomotive, built in 1831 by Robert Stephenson & Co. It is pulling a “train of first-class cars with the baggage car.” Passengers take their seats in small, enclosed cars reminiscent of stagecoaches, while luggage is loaded onto the roofs. The train also includes a car designed to carry mail.

The lower part likely depicts the North Star locomotive, built in 1830. It pulls a “second-class train for open-air passengers.” The passengers, who are much less protected, are crammed into open cars equipped with simple benches. This contrast perfectly illustrates the differences in comfort between the classes in the early days of rail travel: passengers of modest means were exposed to the wind, rain, smoke, and flying cinders.

The Science and Industry Museum in Manchester provides a detailed description of these early travel conditions.

Dimensions: Frame: Length 60 cm - Height 30 cm, Molding: 2.5 cm,
Condition: PERFECT CONDITION—Just a few small foxing spots to note,
Period: Engraving(s): SECOND HALF of the 19th century,
Frame(s): CURRENT - Consisting of a beveled frame with an aged gold finish and a straw-yellow moiré mat. The entire piece is mounted under glass in an elegant walnut burl frame.