Link and Pin Coupler, Used by the Michigan Central Railroad, 1850-1900

The basic link-and-pin coupler was a constant danger to workers on early American railroads. To couple two cars, a worker had to guide the link into the receiving slot and drop the pin in place, quickly moving his hands before the couplers made contact. Missing fingers were a mark of experience. Safer automatic couplers were mandated by federal law in 1893.