Obverse Design Three lines of legend across: "P.M.LOCKS | 81 | TOOL CHECK" where "P.M.LOCKS" is in medium size letters, "81" is in large letters and "TOOL CHECK" is in small letters.
Reverse Design Blank.
Metal Brass Size and Shape Somewhat rectangular; rounded edges on the bottom, angles instead of 90 degree corners at the top. 31 mm by 24 mm. Round hole in the middle of the top.
Dates Issued Unknown. Probably late construction era (1912-1914) or shortly thereafter.
Issurer P.M. Locks. That would be the Pedro Miguel locks.
Numbers Issued Pieces in collector hands include #34, #39, #54, #77 (four specimens), #81, #108 (two specimens), #112, #123 (two specimens), #159 and #170. Note: the same number may be issued more than once.
Rarity Common. Manufacturer Unknown. Source Plowman Collection.
Varieties None known.
Function Tool checks were used to control access to tools. The worker would turn in the tool check in exchange for a tool. If the tool was not returned, management would know which employee had checked it out based on the number. I would appreciate from anyone who can add anything to the history of this piece.
Population Count Fifteen specimens are known to me as follows:
  • Check #123 (2) - Sold on ebay on February 17, 2007 for $10.51 plus $4.50 shipping.
  • Check #170 - Sold on ebay on June 17, 2006 for $15.00 plus $1.50 shipping.
  • Check #77 (4) - Sold on ebay on February 8, 2004 for $8.50 plus $2.50 shipping.
  • Check #77 (3) - Sold on ebay on December 1, 2003 for $7.87 plus $2.50 shipping.
  • Check #108 (2) - Sold on ebay on November 13, 2003 for $10.57 plus $2.50 shipping.
  • Check #34 - Sold on ebay on October 17, 2003 for $9.50 plus $2.50 shipping.
  • Check #39 - Sold on ebay on October 8, 2003 for $13.75 plus $2.50 shipping.
  • Check #159 - Sold on ebay on September 29, 2003 for $14.76 plus $2.50 shipping.
  • Check #77 (2) - Sold on ebay on July 4, 2003 for $16.49 plus $2.00 shipping.
  • Check #123 (1) - Sold on ebay on June 20, 2003 for $21.50 plus $1.50 shipping.
  • Check #112 - Sold on ebay on May 29, 2003 for $21.87 plus $1.50 shipping.
  • Check #54 - Sold on ebay on March 16, 2002 for $29.00.
Note: the same number may be issued more than once.

I am told by David King that he saw "bags of the PM tool checks" while in Panama in April, 2003.


Another Example of CK-65.1
Picture of another CK-65.1

Construction of the Pedro Miguel Locks Construction of the Pedro Miguel Locks