This Lionel No. 36 observation is of uncertain age, but I'm sure it's in the genuine antique category.
The No. 36 was produced between 1912 and 1926. I think it most likely that this one was 1918. Here is the dating information that I found in Bruce Greenberg’s 2014 guide to Standard Gauge.
- The dark olive paint was used from 1912 to 1923. Lettering style above and below the windows and end markings were first seen in 1918.
- The steps have a .140” diameter holes and no mounting tabs. The transition to a new style was “about 1918”.
- Underside marks were begun in 1918 but this car doesn’t have them.
- Both red and blue windows are seen only on photographs of cars thought to be 1917 or earlier.
Bringing together the available evidence, I’d say it is likely that this car was produced close to 1918. If that is the case, I’ve had an antique for three years.
Another interesting feature is the coupler mounting. It is held on by a rivet swaged over a washer underneath the coupler. I believe it was around 1918 that Lionel went to the bent tab coupler mounting.
