I dug this up at an old platation house yesterday. It is brass with a clear lens or marble on top.
It has "Pat's pending" and "Signal" on the bottom.
I had a guess of possibly one of those reflectors on an old railroad crossing sign.
Any idea what it is?
Thanks,
MM
Oldest coin - 1700's Spanish silver piece of 8 reale
Oldest U.S. silver - 1833 Capped Bust Half Dime
Oldest U.S. copper - 1847 Large cent
Civil War best finds:
*NC officers belt buckle
*CSN Confederate Navy Officer button
*Eagle Sword Belt Plate
When you shine a light at it in the dark does it reflect back?
Charlie,
Thanks for bringing that up. There is a white color (maybe reflective?) inside in the base under the glass.
-MM-
Oldest coin - 1700's Spanish silver piece of 8 reale
Oldest U.S. silver - 1833 Capped Bust Half Dime
Oldest U.S. copper - 1847 Large cent
Civil War best finds:
*NC officers belt buckle
*CSN Confederate Navy Officer button
*Eagle Sword Belt Plate
"It's not for eatin, it's just for lookin through... " -- Chief Dan George (Outlaw Jose Wales)
Hey Jimbo!!! How ya been?
Maybe Sammy Davis lost this thing?
-MM-
Oldest coin - 1700's Spanish silver piece of 8 reale
Oldest U.S. silver - 1833 Capped Bust Half Dime
Oldest U.S. copper - 1847 Large cent
Civil War best finds:
*NC officers belt buckle
*CSN Confederate Navy Officer button
*Eagle Sword Belt Plate
I'm thinking you're on the right track with an insert for some type of sign or road marker. I have heard them called "cats-eyes".
Thanks Charlie. That makes sense now. The old RR ran through this property back in the day. The new RR runs through it now too.
-MM-
Oldest coin - 1700's Spanish silver piece of 8 reale
Oldest U.S. silver - 1833 Capped Bust Half Dime
Oldest U.S. copper - 1847 Large cent
Civil War best finds:
*NC officers belt buckle
*CSN Confederate Navy Officer button
*Eagle Sword Belt Plate
Great job on the ID 3rdof8. Thanks so much.
I can mark this one as solved now.
-MM-
Oldest coin - 1700's Spanish silver piece of 8 reale
Oldest U.S. silver - 1833 Capped Bust Half Dime
Oldest U.S. copper - 1847 Large cent
Civil War best finds:
*NC officers belt buckle
*CSN Confederate Navy Officer button
*Eagle Sword Belt Plate