Help: Tool Identification

[GeorgeAnderson]

At auction I recently won a railroad lot that may or may not be connected with the NYCS. Can anyone tell me the name and use for this railroad tool? Thank you.

 

[GreyPon3]

At auction I recently won a railroad lot that may or may not be connected with the NYCS. Can anyone tell me the name and use for this railroad tool? Thank you.
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That usually goes with a hand throw switch as a set of two. It's used to lock the switch handle so it can't be thrown by unauthorized persons. The hole near the top is for a switch lock. The cutouts in the base are for spikes holding it to a tie. They are generally bought from companies that supply parts for the railroads. The railroad seldom made items like this. Sandblasted and painted gloss black, these make nice bookends for railroad books. You could add a switch lock for your favourite railroad to it.

 

[GeorgeAnderson]

That is fantastic! Thank you so much for explaining what this mystery item is.