Button,Pendant,Or ????

[hikermike]

I need help identifing just what this is. It is about the same size as a dime.On the front it has an "R" in the center with a "25" on the bottom. The back has " SoRy" in upraised letters. It's made of brass.....I think.....it's heavy for it's size. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
H.H.
hikermike

 

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[DCMatt]

Any indication that it is broken? Part of a key perhaps?

So Ry was used to abbreviate "Southern Railroad". No clue on the R and 25...

DCMatt

 

[dugupfinds]

Any indication that it is broken? Part of a key perhaps?

So Ry was used to abbreviate "Southern Railroad". No clue on the R and 25...

DCMatt

It looks like lead & similar to a bag seal. I can see the wire traces at the top. If it stands for Southern Railroad then it sealed boxs/bags or doors for that company.

99% sure its a Lead Seal.

 

[DCMatt]

99% sure its a Lead Seal.

That would explain the squished looking edges...

DCMatt

 

[hikermike]

Now the next question.....how old is it?? This thing has had me up all night and I didnt find anything at all about it. Thanks guys!!

 

[DCMatt]

Southern Railway existed from 1894 to 1982. In 1982, several systems merged to become CSX.

Search Norfolk Southern Railway for more info.

I can't even venture a guess on the age of your item.

DCMatt

 

[dugupfinds]

Age is difficult, you need someone who collects them. I would say that by the style of the letters that its no more than 100 years old, but could be only a few years old. However in the UK they stopped using lead in most items several years ago, is it the same in the US?

Sorry I'm at the limit of my knowledge, someone will know. (try the railway museum for the company, if there is one?)

 

[hikermike]

It is a lead seal that was used by southern railway on bales of cotton.As to the "R" and the 25.....not sure.Could be from the mid1800's to the early 1900's. The twenty five could be lbs. or could be part of a 25 bale shipment to a location....maybe 1925.....either way it's still a cool little addition to the ole collection.

 

[dugupfinds]

It is a lead seal that was used by southern railway on bales of cotton.As to the "R" and the 25.....not sure.Could be from the mid1800's to the early 1900's. The twenty five could be lbs. or could be part of a 25 bale shipment to a location....maybe 1925.....either way it's still a cool little addition to the ole collection.

Case closed.