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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: pops on August 05, 2009, 12:53:38 am

Title: Identify this metal object
Post by: pops on August 05, 2009, 12:53:38 am

My son found this unknown metal object buried in our back yard. I did the search on the "cerro matrix". Which is a combination of metals of fusible alloy for repairs. BUT, when I did the search on "C DE P" that is located above the "cerro matrix". It's something to do with an old rail system. On an old "Brakeman" badge hat like this pictured: http://railroadmemories.com/dynapage/IP1706.htm SO, I'm really confused on what this is. I did email that website if they knew. But they haven't figured that out either. 

The object:
weighs at least 5 lbs
magnet does not stick to it
And no other markings that I can see

Thanks
pops

Title: Re: Identify this metal object
Post by: Keith on August 05, 2009, 04:43:18 am

Can you tell us,how big around it is? It looks to be some type of cover.

What area of the Country,was it found?
God bless,Keith

Title: Re: Identify this metal object
Post by: pops on August 05, 2009, 06:08:06 am

It's about 3/4 of an inch in thickness
3 inches across
Was found here in Texas, USA

Title: Re: Identify this metal object
Post by: cogar on August 05, 2009, 07:13:06 am

Pops, something RR and that small diameter, round  and 3/4" thick, the only thing I can think of would be a "blowout plug" for the engine boiler.

Title: Re: Identify this metal object
Post by: regularjoe2 on August 05, 2009, 08:12:17 am

Somebody must know this one .. I sure don't .

I'll guess that it may be a an axle or driveshaft cap/boot for keeping grease in & sand/dust out .

Another guess is that it's just a hunk of babbit mat'l , for casting babbit bearings ( nowadays raw babbit mat'l usually is cast in rectangular ingots , though ) .

Title: Re: Identify this metal object
Post by: railman44 on August 05, 2009, 09:10:11 am

I know it's not a blow-out plug for a RR boiler.  Maybe an axle cap for a wagon? ???

Title: Re: Identify this metal object
Post by: pops on August 05, 2009, 09:26:39 am

I was hoping somebody could identify it. It's a mystery!!! That makes it more interesting.
Thanks for all your help

pops

Title: Re: Identify this metal object
Post by: KC on August 05, 2009, 10:05:04 am

Don't go too far pops....there are many sets of eyes still to view this....more ideas will come.  Keep checking back on your post.

Title: Re: Identify this metal object
Post by: cogar on August 06, 2009, 07:10:02 am

Quote from: regularjoe2 on August 05, 2009, 08:12:17 am

Another guess is that it's just a hunk of babbit mat'l , for casting babbit bearings ( nowadays raw babbit mat'l usually is cast in rectangular ingots , though ) .

I think you got it, Joe, I think you got it.

I did a Google and the following showed up on the "url results", but I scanned the referenced web page but didn't see it, so I just copied this from said "results", to wit:
 
Such low melting point alloys are known and are available, for example, under the trademark Cerro-lo, Cerro-tru, Cerro-bend and Cerro-matrix.