Photo of the Week

I recently acquired this little gem last week. I have never seen anything like it before. Due to the subject matter, I would say it was made during the construction days of the Panama Canal. The inscription reads "Steam Shovel No II5 Working in the Canal at San Pablo, Canal Zone, Panama." I find this interesting that they had the steam shovels up in the San Pablo area. Most of the time you see the steam shovels in the Culebra Cut. This little tray measures 8" x 3 1/4" and is made of a soft metal, which could be tin. The previous owner said that this item has been in her family for years. She said that a great uncle of hers got it in his world travels as a merchant seaman. If anyone knows anything more about this great little tray, please drop me a line.