1891: Pioneering toy company Marklin of Germany establishes a series of standard track gauges for its clockwork (wind-up) and later electric-powered trains.
What is the likelihood that they made switches for wind-ups?
1896: Carlisle and Finch in the United States develops electric- powered trains that run on metal track. These also used a carbon arc for its headlight. (I have a feeling these were not UL Listed).
This appears to be the first track powered (worldwide) non - wind-up, battery or catenary.
1901: Lionel produces its first electric train, built initially only as a store-window display. These were *wet cell* battery powered. Shoppers are more interested in the display itself than the store's products.
1906 Lionel Standard Gauge track designed to eliminate short circuits. I would think that switches would follow eliminating short circuits... not precede them.
I'm a little amazed that nobody is laying claim to the first switch? Given the evolutionary developments of the time period... especially, the rollout of electrification ...that 1908 Carlisle and Finch may be the BIG DOG!