Railroad Baggage Tag - Galena & Chicago Union Railroad

[Mayo South Elgin]

While working some sidewalk and parkway tear outs in Elgin, IL I got a good signal and started to dig.
Immediately I hit the worst root system I've ever had to dig through. I was about 3 feet away from a tree but these roots were like an octopus around the target. After about 15 minutes of digging, prying, pushing and pulling, my Pro Pointer indicated the target was finally really close. I pushed the dirt sideways from underneath the inch thick root and out popped this tag.

So far, research indicates it's from the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad.
Info on this railroad here:
http://mypresentpast.com/home/railro...-railroad.html

The stamp at the bottom of the tag I am guessing means Cape Fear & Illinois Central Line? but I don't know how they could have been connected since I know little about railroad lines.
And would the 566 number be the car number or the bag number?

Any railroaders?

[Bramblefind]

Just wanted to say - that is a GREAT tag! I think an old one too. It could be very valuable. Way to go on beating the roots!

[Mayo South Elgin]

Additional info has been found out about this tag.
For those of you interested, check out these two links:

http://www.tagtown.net/morehous.html

and

http://www.railroadiana.org/pgQB.php

[Bramblefind]

Additional info has been found out about this tag.
For those of you interested, check out these two links:

http://www.tagtown.net/morehous.html

and

http://www.railroadiana.org/pgQB.php

That is awesome! Thank you for posting those links

That tag is VERY special.

Maybe you should post it in Today's Finds.

I'm giving you a banner vote!

[Plowhandle]

I would be very interested in acquiring this tag for my collection.

[curbdiggercarl57]

Amazing tag, one of the nicest I've seen!
Curious, anything marked or stamped on the back?
Carl

[PikesPeakCharlie]

That is sweet !!!!!