A nail with a patent stamp?

[gberl001]

So, it seemed apparently obvious to me that this was a nail. I noticed the head had some righting on it so I put it in the "keep" pocket. After cleaning it off I see that it says "J.H.I. Pat. Feb 1 1870". This seemed strange to me but then again, I did notice the shank was odd as well, there is a grooved pattern to it. So, I thought, if this was some brand new idea of its time, maybe that's why they put the stamp on it. Any ideas?

 

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[duggap]

I think that is a wink adjuster for a lantern.

 

[gberl001]

You are absolutely correct (if you meant wick) I was googling and googling but I don't typically look through web results, rather images. I briefly saw "Lantern Patent Information" and then was the moment of clarity. I came back here to post what I found but looks like you were too quick.

 

[duggap]

I don't know, but a "wink" adjuster may get you some time with the girls.