This is a vintage Simplex No. 22 Railroad Jack, manufactured by Templeton, Kenly & Co. in Chicago, Illinois. It is a barn find in as-is condition - I have not done any cleaning, polishing, or restoration. The jack has patina as shown in the photos, including some surface oxidation, dirt, dust, scuffs, wear, etc. The jack raises and lowers as it should, although full functionality (lifting 10-tons) is unknown - selling as a collectible only. No lever bar included. Please view all photos to fully gauge condition. This will be packed safely for shipping - note, the weight of approximately 65 lbs and length of approximately 22" will be reflected in the shipping costs.
Templeton, Kenly & Co. was founded in 1899 by Walter B. Templeton in Chicago, Illinois, with a focus on developing innovative mechanical jacks for the burgeoning railroad industry. The Simplex No. 22 was part of the company’s early product line, leveraging Templeton’s patented ratchet-lever design, which emphasized safety and reliability. This design became a standard for railroad track maintenance, earning accolades such as the Gold Medal from the American Museum of Safety in 1913. The company’s jacks were instrumental in supporting the expansion of the U.S. railroad system, and the Simplex brand became synonymous with durability.
The Simplex No. 22 is a ratchet-lever mechanical jack designed for rugged environments, particularly railroad track maintenance. Key design features include a ratchet-lever system, allowing incremental lifting and lowering. The mechanism is partially enclosed to protect internal components from debris, though not fully sealed in early models like the No. 22.
The Simplex No. 22 was primarily designed for railroad track maintenance, where it was used to lift rail sections, ties, or entire track assemblies for alignment or repair. Its 10-ton capacity made it suitable for heavy-duty tasks, and its mechanical operation required no external power, ideal for remote work sites. Beyond railroads, the jack found applications in:
Construction: Lifting beams, structural members, or heavy equipment
Industrial Maintenance: Moving machine tools or other heavy machinery
Wrecking and Salvage: Pulling or pushing structural components in demolition or repair work
Agricultural Settings: Occasionally used in barns or for lifting heavy farm equipment