Decade old "What Is It?" mystery finally solved? The elusive 'E' button...

[DCMatt]

If you've been on the T-net What is it forum for any length of time, you're probably aware of the 'E' button mystery relic. Dozens of these have been posted on this forum over the last 10 years or so and lots of us have beaten our brains out trying to figure out what they are. All research has been for naught - until now.

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/594600-civil-war-site-modern-e-button.html





It appears to be a retainer or end cap for a utility pole cutout (fuse). I know my research never went even remotely in that direction, but it explains the large number of these being found. I'm guessing these 'pop' when the cutout is tripped. That explains the 'pry mark' or damage found on many of them.

If anybody has more info on how these things work, I'd like to hear from you.

This has been, perhaps, our most elusive ID on the forum - ever. Just additional proof that this is arguably the best place on the internet to get things identified.

Thanks to all who contributed over the years.

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/118755-e-button-pin.html

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/220391-early-enginners-button.html

 

[Tpmetal]

this is HUGE!!!! Where did we finally find this info?? I have wasted hours of my life on this lol

 

[vhs07]

What you're seeing is the cap to a fuse link like below. I'd assume E is for Edison

 

[ticndig]

And to think one of those fuses was on here in the past week or so , A big shout out to Jackrats for solving this on his very first post he at treasurenet.

 

[ARC]

THE E IS FREE ! ! !

Like whoa... tis deep... well done DC.

DC freed the E.

 

[DCMatt]

Here's another with the 'E' visible:

 

[creskol]

this is HUGE!!!! Where did we finally find this info?? I have wasted hours of my life on this lol

Thanks to new member jackrats for replying to earlier post that Matt mentioned: ​Civil War Site...Modern "E" Button?

 

[creskol]

duplicate post .. Sorry about that!

 

[fyrffytr1]

I always thought the E stood for enigma!

 

[ARC]

I always thought it was a cap from an "Emergency Rum" flask.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

I have stepped over hundreds of those in utility dumps looking for insulators and never noticed

 

[Anduril]

Can we nominate this for "Banner" find?

 

[Plug N Play]

What a ride !

Lord help us if people now start finding F's.

 

[ARC]

What a ride !

Lord help us if people now start finding F's.

:/ Arrrrrg.

 

[ticndig]

Can we nominate this for "Banner" find?

The answer is no. the E has been identified by new member Jackrats on his very first post , therefore it is not eligible for a banner .
but a little recognition wouldn't hurt.

open the link to the other thread on the E- post #41--Civil War Site...Modern "E" Button?

 

[CRUSADER]

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

 

[Mudflap]

What you're seeing is the cap to a fuse link like below. I'd assume E is for Edison
View attachment 1850878

The "E" is the fuse curve rating. Called fuse type. Determines what timing the fuse will melt at different fault currents.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

The "E" is the fuse curve rating. Called fuse type. Determines what timing the fuse will melt at different fault currents.

E rated? Sounds plausible.