Templeton Kenly Simplex No. 101 Cast Iron 15-Ton Railroad Track Jack, Pat. 1914

A heavy-duty Simplex No. 101 ratcheting track jack manufactured by Templeton, Kenly & Co. Ltd. of Chicago, London, and Paris — cast iron throughout, with a 15-ton lifting capacity and a 13-inch lift. The base column is cast in raised lettering: "SIMPLEX No. 101 — CAPACITY 15 TONS — LIFT 13 INCHES — PAT. SEPT. 8, 1914," with the maker's mark "TEMPLETON KENLY & CO LTD — CHICAGO • LONDON • PARIS" cast into the upper crossbar. The signature flared SIMPLEX handle socket extends horizontally from the body, and the internal ratchet-and-pawl mechanism remains intact behind the open cast window. A smaller part stamp reads "SIMPLEX PART 101-9" on the trip lever.

Templeton, Kenly & Co. built the Simplex line for the railroad industry beginning in the late 19th century, and the No. 101 became one of the most widely used track jacks in North America — set under rails to lift cars, locomotives, and structural steel during track maintenance and derailment recovery. The 1914 patent date refers to the improved ratchet mechanism that defined this generation of Simplex jacks. The cast iron form, with its compact base and tall climbing column, has become a recognized piece of American industrial design, frequently repurposed today as sculptural decor, doorstops, or shop display.

CONDITION

Good for age. Heavy surface rust and oxidation throughout consistent with long service life; original japanned finish remains in patches across the body. Mechanism is intact with ratchet teeth, pawls, and trip lever present; full functional testing has not been performed.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Manufacturer: Templeton, Kenly & Co. Ltd. — Chicago • London • Paris
• Model: Simplex No. 101
• Capacity: 15 Tons
• Lift: 13 inches
• Patent Date: Sept. 8, 1914
• Material: Cast iron
• Height: 23" (closed) — 36" (extended)
• Base: 11" × 6 1/4"
• Weight: 65 lbs