They are probably mesh goggles for the firemen on the trains. Used to keep
cinders from blowing back in the eyes wwhen the fire doors are open for
stoking or examination. Glass was not neccessarily included. Many were
simply sewn into a fitted leather band.

John Dendy
Dynamac Corporation
Fort Riley, KS

> -----Original Message-----
> From: William White [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 1999 4:58 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      What Is It #2
>
> Dear List Members:
>
> Thanks to all who ventured a reply to our first "What Is It."  We thought
> it might be associated with suspenders, but it was the only one recovered
> from eight railroad camps, and we were unsure.  Again, thank you.
>
> And now, for something completely different; who was that masked man?
> Attached is a photograph of an eye mask made of a fine copper wire mesh.
> The outside margins have numerous needle holes indicating that perhaps a
> cloth binding was attached to soften the edges.  Opposite each eye hole
> are
> small copper eyelets (does not show up well in the photo) to which some
> form of attachment was made to secure the mask on the face.  Four such
> masks were identified at one 1904 railroad construction camp.  The crew
> has
> come up with some facinating interpretations, most not publishable.  Now I
> offer you the challenge.  As always, thanksss...ww << File: mask001 (Corel
> PHOTO-PAINT 8.0 Image) >>