Object ID:
100.025.002
Object Name:
Coupler, Link and Pin
Description:
Cast iron car coupler, part of a set of 2 couplers, a link and 1 pin. There are 4 numbers cast into the coupler but they are nearly illegeble. The numbers appear to be 6885 and would represent the pattern number.
Couplers were used to connect cars to each other. Link and pin couplers were particularly dangerous because the brakeman or switchman would have to work between moving cars to join them up. If an inexperienced person didn't get their hands out of the way in time they could lose a finger or a hand and often did. Also, there were many fatal accidents when men were caught between two moving cars and crushed, 518 men were killed in 1888 alone.
Use of the link and pin coupler was prohibited under the Railroad Safty Appliance Act which passed March 2, 1893 and went into effect in 1900. Though some railroads did switch to the safer Janey coupler (pat. 1873) before 1900.
Couplers were used to connect cars to each other. Link and pin couplers were particularly dangerous because the brakeman or switchman would have to work between moving cars to join them up. If an inexperienced person didn't get their hands out of the way in time they could lose a finger or a hand and often did. Also, there were many fatal accidents when men were caught between two moving cars and crushed, 518 men were killed in 1888 alone.
Use of the link and pin coupler was prohibited under the Railroad Safty Appliance Act which passed March 2, 1893 and went into effect in 1900. Though some railroads did switch to the safer Janey coupler (pat. 1873) before 1900.
Year Range from:
1870
Year Range to:
1900
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Coupler
Coupler