Genuine San Francisco Cable Car Cable Section – C Cable Creations 1982

An unusual original section of steel cable from the famous San Francisco cable car system, retaining its original printed souvenir wrapper.

The label is headed:

GENUINE SAN FRANCISCO CABLE CAR CABLE

and states that the section was:

“Actually Used in the San Francisco Cable Car System”

The wrapper is also marked:

C Cable Creations 1982

The piece consists of a substantial section of tightly twisted steel cable, making it an unusual surviving piece of San Francisco transport history and railwayana.

Historical Context:

San Francisco's cable cars operate using continuously moving steel cables running beneath the street. The cable car's grip mechanism takes hold of the moving cable to propel the vehicle and releases it when required.

The working cable is a substantial multi-strand steel wire rope designed to withstand the demanding continuous operation of the system.

The 1982 date on this souvenir is particularly interesting as the San Francisco cable car system entered its major 1982–1984 reconstruction programme that year. No claim is being made that this particular section was removed during that specific reconstruction, as the surviving label does not identify its individual line or removal date.

The original wrapper itself specifically states that this section was actually used in the San Francisco cable car system.

Condition:

Good vintage condition overall with age-related surface wear, darkening and marks to the steel cable consistent with its age and previous service.

The original printed paper wrapper remains fitted around the centre and shows light age and handling wear.

Please inspect all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

Circa:

Souvenir dated 1982. The cable itself was previously used in the San Francisco cable car system.

Dimensions & Item Details:

Type: Genuine cable car cable section
Transport System: San Francisco Cable Car System
Material: Steel cable
Souvenir Distributor: C Cable Creations
Date on Wrapper: 1982
Wrapper: Original printed paper label present
Label Statement: “Actually Used in the San Francisco Cable Car System”

A distinctive piece of genuine San Francisco transport memorabilia, particularly appealing to collectors of cable cars, American transportation history, railwayana and industrial engineering.

Packed carefully and dispatched securely from the UK.