Can anyone identify this ?

[jreitz99]

Hey all,

Been a long time since Ive posted...but, a buddy of mine found this while out detecting at an old homesite in Ohio. Its a stumper. Notice wheeling is in Va not West Va. Its about 8" long open and shows New York & Wheeling VA when you flip it. I thought maybe something for sorting mail or identifing train destinations.

Anyways pretty cool find I guess ....please see the pics.

I apologize for posting in "finds" not help identify forum.....just seems like I know this crowd better!

Thanks
John

 

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[spotz]

I have no idea what it was for but it is a sweet relic. If you should ever want to part with it, let me know.
Spotz

 

[IrishCharlieM]

Not a clue but I hope sombody does...That's a pretty cool dig.....Wonder what it is?

 

[bmanofnbc]

What does the back look like?

 

[cybercop106]

The #9 train on the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) RR Line went from NY to Wheeling, WV. Maybe that was a mis-printed sign and they threw it out?? Could explain how it ended up in Ohio?!
Trains carried mail and freight, and there was a hook outside that car they'd hang the sign on to denote it's destination, so the items being loaded were put on the correct car. Seems I saw one in the Museum of Transportation in St Louis County many, many moons ago.

http://www.museumoftransport.org/things.htm

 

[Southcacalaky]

Real Sweet Relic, Congrats,,HH Art...

 

[Max]

Maybe to clamp the top of the mail bags. Then a lock could be put on the ring.
Just a thought.
Great find.
Max

 

[Rookiebob]

I'm not exactly sure what it is but I might be able to tell you when it was. There was no West Virginia prior to the Civil War. There was only the state of Virginia (where Wheeling would have been) until she seceded from the Union. Part of Virginia remained loyal to the North and was renamed West Virginia. So with the lack of "West" in front of Virginia, I'd have to day it dates prior to 1860. That's a great find with some historical value in your hands. I'm sure someone will be able to ID it. Congrats.

 

[Leon]

Sorry,, not a clue here...
That is a very intersting find though,,, got to have some history to it...
Good luck on the ID, & Happy hunting~

 

[SHERMANVILLE ILLINOIS]

Nice,

a keeper.

Must have an interesting use.

have a good un...........

 

[comfyinvermont]

Hey John, I think we all ended up learning something from your post. THank you Lance

 

[SaintSea]

What a relic! I have a strong feeling that it has something to do with trains/mail bags, too... or at least that was my iniital thought. I found a website that is dedicated to Mobile Post Offices; and I think that if it is in any way related to mail that is delivered by trains, these folks should know. Here's the link: http://www.swansongrp.com/mpos.html
Keep us posted on what you learn!
Ruth

 

[dano91]

Mail bag tag, nice find! Used on railroad cars. When the bag was going to Wheeling it was placed with that showing and on return trip it was flipped over.

 

[allen]

cool find, but no clue to what it is. keep on digging

 

[jreitz99]

Thanks everyone for sharing the Ideas. I knew this would be the right place to post. I figured it was pre civil war since there was no west in that Virginia. I will keep on the research & be sure to post my results. I will also try to post a pic or describe the back of it. Did not get to go hunting today....but have plans to tommorow. I will post any good finds.


Thanks for the help HH all

John