I think its its railroad related

[john845]

I found this today there was railroad tracks where I found it at one time. So I think it has something to do with a train. The floor tiles in the the pics are 12 by 12. I never seen anything like it. E 959 is on the one side . Any ideas or value ??

 

[ncsilverspider]

Does it look like it was broken off? Part of it reminds me of the inside of a wheel bearing to a freight car. Obviously a much older one than what is shown below.. not sure though. Neat regardless!

 

[john845]

No it doesn't lock broken at all there's a slot in the top of the square hole. I will post another pic

 

[john845]

No it doesn't lock broken at all there's a slot in the top of the square hole. I will post another pic

 

[Normsel]

My mind ran wild on this one but thought maybe part of a railroad jack but after looking at some I kinda doubt it

 

[NOLA_Ken]

I can't id it, but it looks to me like a valve knob, possibly opened and closed with a lever that had teeth to match those on your piece. Whether it's railroad or not I can't say...

 

[flyadive]

Butterfly valve lock indicator

 

[ncsilverspider]

Taking a closer look, I think it's part of the inner workings of a switch stand, or possibly a handbrake. I know I've seen that before on the little railroad I work at.

 

[john845]

I was thinking it might be part of a switch. There was a couple lines were I found it at one time now there is only one. There is still rail in a few spots nearby by. I was thinking something was inserted into the square hole to turn the part I found and the slots in the top were to lock what ever turned it in place.

 

[ncsilverspider]

I was thinking it might be part of a switch. There was a couple lines were I found it at one time now there is only one. There is still rail in a few spots nearby by. I was thinking something was inserted into the square hole to turn the part I found and the slots in the top were to lock what ever turned it in place.

That's what I'm thinking John. On the type of switch stand pictured above, a lever is pulled up and out near the base and turned around the pole. This turns the flag at the top, indicating to the crew which way the tracks are aligned, and also pulls or pushes the piece of rail that allows the train to travel whichever way the switch is set. I have thrown this type of switch numerous times before and know for a fact that a gear is used when rotating the lever. So that is my guess. Great find regardless!

 

[DizzyDigger]

Corrected the color for the clearest view:

 

[tamrock]

I can only give it a fitting name, as a side tooth quarter gear It may have been something off of old farm equipment for all I know. Does remind me of a motorcycle kick start gear. Hopefully it'll be solved by someone, before it reaches the abyss of the "Sea of What Is It" As for the value. I would only think it's weight in scrap iron at this point, but who can say? It could be the one and only part available to an old machine that someone desperately needs to complete a restoration of whatever that might be and they're willing to pay top dollar for it?

 

[tamrock]

Taking a closer look, I think it's part of the inner workings of a switch stand, or possibly a handbrake. I know I've seen that before on the little railroad I work at.

View attachment 1538522 View attachment 1538523

I'm thinking you very well might be on the right track

 

[john845]

Lol

 

[DCMatt]

Taking a closer look, I think it's part of the inner workings of a switch stand, or possibly a handbrake. I know I've seen that before on the little railroad I work at.

View attachment 1538522 View attachment 1538523

 

[Rookster]

Probably off an Antrack train.Hope nobody got hurt.