Graphic Art - Not an Actual Scanned Image

Obverse Design All lettering is incused. In the upper circle, starting at the left and curving along the edge clockwise are the words "ENGINEERING AND". In the lower circle, starting on the upper left and curving along the edge counterclockwise are the words "CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT". In the middle in larger letters in the upper circle is "I.C.C.". In the lower circle is "385" (the employee number).
Reverse Design Blank.
Metal Brass Size and Shape This metal check has what is perhaps the most unusual shape of all the metal checks. It is in a figure eight, where each circle has a diameter of approximately 33 mm. The overall height is approximately 61 mm. There is one small round hole in the top.
Dates Issued Unknown. These may have been id checks locally made and issued before the Diamond shaped Isthmian Canal Commission checks (which were issued starting in August 1905), or they may have been tool checks issued anytime between 1904 and 1914.
Issurer Isthmian Canal Commission, Engineering and Construction Department.
Numbers Issued Pieces include #385 and #392.
Rarity Very Rare. Manufacturer Unknown, but perhaps locally made. Source Hamlin's ICC-43, Rulau's CZ E74.
Varieties None known.
Function

These may have been early employee id checks, before the general issuing of metal checks in August, 1905. They may also have been tool checks, or even used to track other equipment. I would appreciate e-mail from anyone who can add anything to the history of these metal checks.

Population Count Known specimens are as follows:
  1. Check #385 - Eugene Hamlin Collection; listed by Rulau.
  2. Check #392 - Carl Fogarty Collection (not verified by any images). This check is said to have belonged to J.C. Forman who worked for the ICC and Panama Canal Company from 1905 to the 1930's.