✅ SOLVED Brass gizmo?

[IMAUDIGGER]

Found under a large oak tree in an area that saw heavy activity from 1850's to 1930's

I'm thinking part of a musical instrument or a firearm?

It measures about 2" long and appears to be made of brass.
It appears to have a place where one would push with their finger and a thin flap that hinges underneath that.
All pinned parts swivel.
The one to the left looks like it broke off.
Very well made and not marked in any way.

 

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[bologna321]

Shot in the dark, could it be a telegraph key?

 

[Tpmetal]

Part of a telegraph transmitter popped into my head, but I cant find one like it.

 

[Tpmetal]

Shot in the dark, could it be a telegraph key?

haha beat me to it.

 

[HuntinDog]

Looks like a Saxophone Key.

 

[DCMatt]

I agree with HuntinDog - woodwind instrument key. Saxophone, clarinet, maybe even a single key fife.

 

[caprock]

Could it be part of shot flask?

 

[HuntinDog]

Ok
I take back me thought of a Sax key and go with Caprock.
Looks like a match to the Shot charger lever.

 

[diggummup]

Could it be part of shot flask?
View attachment 1548254

Looks good to me.

 

[DCMatt]

Of course it is. Great ID!

 

[Tpmetal]

Could it be part of shot flask?
View attachment 1548254

I believe we have a winner.

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

Could it be part of shot flask?

Dang that was fast. Mark this one as solved.

Have you found these before or just had a hunch?

I'll hunt around for the remainder of the measure/meter.

Interestingly, I found an un-fired brass shotgun hull not that far away.

 

[Joe-Dirt]

Out of nowhere!! That was nice ID, cool find to, great condition