Here is a comparison of two nearly identical signal heads, made by Horni and Marbelite, respectively. Horni first produced these sectional signals in 1938. In 1947, Marbelite took over Horni’s signal production, and for a brief time, produced the same signals (including 4-ways) without any notable changes besides altering the logo and removing embossed HORNI text from internal parts.

The shiny dark green signal above is the Horni that NJ collector Kasey J. found in an antique store in Hawthorne and painstakingly restored at home. It was sold without visors or lenses, and with a worn yellow finish that was almost certainly re-paint. I supplied Kasey with the 7″ visors from a damaged Marbelite signal that I had. He installed period-correct Kopp #27 red and amber lenses and a green broad arrow. We don’t know it’s history, but I have a hunch it served in the city of Paterson, next to Hawthorne where Kasey bought it.

The faded signal is the Marbelite that the Hoboken Historical Museum gifted me with for helping install a 1930s Horni signal in the museum. Made soon after Marbelite took over Horni in 1947, this Marbelite served in Hoboken from the late 1940s until 2018. It was located at the corner of Washington & 5th when it was removed. I put (Houzex) Marbelite #6540 lenses in it, and I put the original Kopp #66 lenses in another signal. The visors are cut straight, which was the earlier convention.

As of this writing, I am personally aware of only 3 Horni sectional signals and 6 Marbelites of this type in existence.