matching set of original ornamental cast bronze interior wall sconces removed from an old pullman sleeper or passenger railroad car. the early 1920's neoclassical style single arm wall sconces retain the original tapered bakelite shades supported by four bent brass rods. the socket housing consists of a deep relief, bellflower design motif. each sconce with coat hook measures approx. 9 by 5 inches. original bryant keyless socket intact. priced for the pair. highly collectible railroad memorabilia. the pullman palace car company, founded by george pullman, manufactured railroad cars in the mid to late 1800s through the early decades of the 20th century, during the boom of railroads in the united states. pullman developed the sleeping car which carried his name into the 1980s. the labor union associated with the company, the brotherhood of sleeping car porters, was one of the most powerful african-american political entities of the 20th century. pullman established his company in 1862 and built luxury sleeping cars which featured carpeting, draperies, upholstered chairs, libraries and card tables and an unparalleled level of customer service. once a household name due to their large market share, the pullman company is also known for the bitter pullman strike staged by their workers and union leaders in 1894. during an economic downturn, pullman reduced hours and wages but not rents leading to the strike. after george pullman's death in 1897, robert todd lincoln, son of abraham lincoln became company president. the company closed its factory in the pullman neighborhood of chicago in 1955. pullman purchased the standard steel car company in 1930 amid the great depression, and the merged entity was known as pullman-standard car manufacturing company. the company ceased production after the amtrak superliner cars in 1982 and its remaining designs were purchased in 1987 when it was absorbed by bombardier.