Re: [CBQ] What is it?

["Louis Zadnichek via Groups.Io" <LZadnichek=aol.com@groups.io>]

February 24, 2020

All - The Q's police force would make a good subject for a BRHS Bulletin article.  I wonder if any retired Q policemen are still alive? - Louis

Louis Zadnichek II

Fairhope, AL

In a message dated 2/24/2020 1:50:50 PM Central Standard Time, dnymann@outlook.com writes:

Some of the photos from the link below are at the UP Railroad museum in Council Bluffs, Iowa. They had a very interesting display on the history and role of Railroad police. It’s a good museum to visit if you’re ever in the area - it’s the old Carnegie public library building.

On Feb 24, 2020, at 9:44 AM, Louis Zadnichek via Groups.Io <LZadnichek=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:

February 24, 2020

Bill - Also, don't forget that the private railroad police forces were armed with revolvers, shot guns and carbines, all carrying the company logo and serial numbers.  The Q had their own police force and undoubtedly they had an arsenal of weapons to combat criminals.

Here's a link to an interesting web site about railroad police:

http://www.therailroadpolice.com/photos-1

I searched the images for Q material, but didn't find any.  However, there are images of GN and NP weapons. Since the Q, GN and NP were all "Hill Roads," there's good reason to believe that Q weapons would've been similar.  Perhaps, we'll eventually find a Q shot gun - Louis

Louis Zadnichek II

Fairhope, AL

In a message dated 2/24/2020 9:25:43 AM Central Standard Time, clipperw@gmail.com writes:

Louis,

I believe that the express messagers worked for the express companies, not the carrying railroad. My great uncle was an express messenger for American Express in the late 1880s and worked between Chicago and Quincy on the Q. He was also William Barber. I wonder if the shot gun might have been a gift, possibly even a retirement gift for a high level employee. Gifts of similar value were not uncommon for retiring officers of a company and carrying the company’s logo would have been appropriate. However, if the railroad’s initials are simply stamped on the shot gun somewhere, it is more likely, company property.

Bill Barber

Gravois Mills, MO

Re: What is it? 
From: Louis Zadnichek
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2020 12:03:48 PST 

February 23, 2020

Ken - I believe this is a "home made" paperweight cut from a segment of shop rail used inside on a roundhouse or shop facility paved floor.  The top side groove would've accommodated the flange on the wheel. The flat side is the bottom side. The embossed CB&Q would indicate the rail was cast in a CB&Q Shop equipped with a foundry, perhaps, Aurora or West Burlington.

CB&Q spark plugs came in at least two different varieties.  I've attached an image of each. I've never heard of CB&Q marked shot guns, but it's certainly possible they existed.  Such shot guns, most likely 12 gauge, would've been carried by express messengers to guard valuable shipments such as gold or silver bullion, paper securities, currency, jewels and so on. Best Regards - Louis

Louis Zadnichek II

Fairhope, AL         

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