First post: Help I.D. a chunk of rail- St Louis Steel 1883

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G

Garandguy

New Member
I have a 3ft piece of old rail, in great shape. It has "St LOUIS STEEL 1883" in raised letters on the side. I can't find any real info on the Internet, and don't know the best place to post my question. Can anyone help me I.D. it's possible history? I suspect it was made for the Missouri Pacific Railroad(?) This is my first post, so have lenience... lol...
 
Bill Anderson

Bill Anderson

Well-Known Member
I cannot help you identify the rail, but I do want to welcome you aboard. A photo of the rail might be of interest to viewers.
 
Bob

Bob

Forum Host
Staff member
Unless it's a rather unusual type of rail, we won't be of much help. "St. Louis Steel 1883" where and when it was made. There will be other numbers on it (probably) that identify what size rail it is.

However... St. Louis Steel probably rolled a lot of rail for a lot of railroads. More modern rail has "heat numbers" that can help you track it. You might, if you had access to those records, be able to identify who bought rail rolled recently. Even that would be difficult as best.

As for rail from 1883... It's a lot like saying "I have a 2 x 4 from Lowes dated 1997. Who bought it?"
 
G

Garandguy

New Member
A few of the markings, and overall rail. I've learned after an Internet search that the vertical hash marks are month of manufacture- 11 marks= November

full length.jpg1883.jpg11 month marks.jpg
 
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