South African Railways List of Technical and Other Terms / Lys van Tegniese en Ander Terme (1947)

This 1947 South African Railways List of Technical and Other Terms / Lys van Tegniese en Ander Terme is a fascinating and scarce bilingual reference work produced by South African Railways during the immediate post-war period. Designed as a practical glossary for railway staff, the book reflects the operational need for clear and standardised technical terminology across both English and Afrikaans-speaking personnel within the SAR system.

A particularly interesting feature of this volume is its dual-format binding: the English section begins from one end of the book, while the Afrikaans section starts from the opposite end, meeting in the middle. This format highlights the bilingual working environment of South African Railways at the time and adds a unique collectible aspect to the volume.

The content provides an extensive listing of technical railway terms, likely covering mechanical, operational, and administrative language used across the railway network. Such manuals were essential tools in ensuring consistency and efficiency across depots, workshops, and operational staff.

As an official South African Railways publication, this book holds strong appeal for collectors of Africana, railway history, and industrial documentation. Compared to later or more commonly found publications, earlier bilingual SAR references such as this are increasingly difficult to source, particularly in solid condition.

A desirable and unusual item for collectors, historians, or railway enthusiasts seeking authentic SAR material from the mid-20th century.

Condition – Good

Hardcover boards with black text show noticeable dirt marks and general wear. The top and tail of the spine cloth are worn and slightly damaged. The binding remains sound. Internally clean and well-preserved, with only light age-related toning and minimal foxing compared to typical examples. Overall a very good, solid copy.