The words “Stop, Look, Listen” might evoke song titles, childhood lessons or everyday common sense. The phrase comes from the 1800s, specifically from the advent of railroads.

Railroad travel was revolutionary, but like most emerging technologies brought new dangers along with its advantages. It quickly became clear that some safety measures had to be taken to avoid collisions at crossings.

The first safety precautions were simple signs. Today, the familiar design is an X-shaped sign reading “Railroad Crossing” and usually accompanied by flashing lights and alarms.

Earlier signs were different, like this cast-iron oval reminding its reader to “Stop Look Listen,” which sold at Copake Auction Inc. for $1,062 against a presale estimate of $200 to $300.

It may have been a very early sign,

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