Obverse Design Three lines of legend across: "P.M.LOCKS | 200 | TOOL CHECK" where "200" is in larger letters.
Reverse Design Blank.
Metal Brass Size and Shape Octagon 28 mm in diameter at the corners, 26 mm flat to flat. 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 #178 (three examples), #194 and #200.
Rarity Scarce. Manufacturer Unknown. Other Catalog Numbers None.
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 Five specimens of this variety of metal check in collector hands are known to me. Recent sales include:
  1. Auction sale on ebay on July 13, 2006 of #178 for $16.50 plus $2.50 shipping.
  2. Auction sale on ebay on June 16, 2006 of #178 for $14.50 plus $2.50 shipping.
  3. Auction sale on ebay on July 15, 2004 of #178 for $7.00.
Note: the same number may be issued more than once.

Battleship U.S.S. Mississippi going through the Pedro Miguel Locks 1919
Battleship U.S.S. Mississippi going through the Pedro Miguel Locks 1919
From the Canal Zone Review, November 1969 Edition