A Field Guide to New York City Manhole Covers


Q M T

Queens Midtown Tunnel

cover image

Q With an Arrow

Of the several styles seen in QMT covers, this one has the most graphic lettering with a distinctive Q with slightly elevated bowl and a upwardly pointed tail. As with most of the access hole covers for the tunnel the presumed dates are from around 1936 to 1940.

DESIGN:

The small square grid is a common enough cover pattern, although almost all round covers place the center lettering at an angle to the dividing lines. Here the grid squares sneak into the empty spaces in the lettering.

UTILITY:

This design was often associated with drains and sewers.

RANGE:

This example was found in Long Island City on 51st St. east of Jackson Ave.

Related Images Follow


Don Burmeister -- Photographs