My first bantam

That looks like an early T3-C that's had a lunette added. It has the hole for the BO switch, but it has the early tailgate configuration (and in real nice shape). It's possible that it's a T3 with a added tailgate, but that looks too good for a conversion. That would put the year at 45 or early 46, too bad the front panel is gone, that's where the data plate would be, but being that early there may be a number under the spring shackle. Does it have shock mounts on it? Civilian ones didn't but the military ones did. Also the militarys had parking brakes. Nice looking trailer. Oh, almost forgot my manners, welcome to the site. 

Does it have stake pockets?

Wes,
I think the "features" were phased in as stock ran out from wartime production, if you look at the T3-C site data list, a pattern emerges on the major changes, still somewhat murky on the more obscure ones though (shape of the boxing plates on the drawbar, change in the drawbar casting, change in the mounting of the drawbar to the tub, etc. ) These are interesting details to me from a historical sense.

It would really be nice if you had a photo of the records storage room in the basement!!!!

I'm down the road a bit more, but hope to travel to Butler sometime soon to do just that!

     Art,
        I called the historical society today and they are only open from 12 t o 5 on fridays.
      I'm unable to make it today. I'll try for next friday... work pending.  I cannot understand why so little of this historical information is known or has been retained in this community. Let alone the original factory not acquired. It has been sitting idle for 7 years. I talked with a co-worker who worked at plant 2 (armco/AKSteel). He said the building was falling in disrepair when he worked there.
    The engineering building itself sat pretty much vacant. They stored stuff on the first floor mainly.
     Again, if needed. I 'll try to make it next friday and obtain the photographs you need.
     Butler County Historical Society (724 283 8116).   Rick


Edited by hajjihunter - 19 June 2009 at 7:01pm

Thanks Rick,