14k Antique Railway Spike Brooch

Description:   An antique c1880s 14k tested brooch inscribed with the words “Little Jack” in yellow gold.

Measures:  9.5mm (Widest); 66.2mm (Length)

Weight:  10.1g

Note:  In the 1870s, an interesting friendship developed between Jack Wilde and Jack, a Chacma baboon. Signalman James purchased the pet to help around the railways after losing both of his legs in a tragic accident. Eventually Jack the Baboon became a paid employee, earning $0.20/day for helping changing signals and setting points to guide trains on the tracks. Did this railroad spike once belong to Signalman Jack?