1964 Lionel 773 w/773W tender

Darrel,

Congrats that's a neat item. 

In 1964, per the actual Lionel production records, a no. 773LTS came in master carton with an individually boxed no. 773X-1 and no. 736W-1.  The X on the 773X meant it came without a Lockon.  The "-1" meant it was individually boxed.  Also note, per the records, it came with a 736W NOT a 773W in 1964.

The correct Interstate no. 773-131 box would have a "64" underneath its Box Manufacturer's Certificate.

My father and I acquired the Lionel production records at auction a few years back.  We've used these to publish two new books: Authoritative Guide to Lionel's Promotional Outfits 1960 - 1969 and the Authoritative Guide to Lionel's Postwar Operating Cars.  These books list 1,000s of items and variations not documented anywhere else, including how to date boxes, Lionel's numbering scheme for items, boxes and suffixes, and how everything came packed.  Just the type of stuff you, and many collectors are asking about.

Enjoy....that's a fun piece!

John Schmid

Author - Authoritative Guide to Lionel's Promotional Outfits 1960 - 1969