Brass handle

[coin]

Please help me identify this brass object. I dug it up on our land, which was a working plantation in 1857 along the Trinity River in east Texas. It appears to be some kind of control handle, maybe off of a steamboat or an early automobile. It is 7'' long, slightly bent and worn. Thanks for any help.
Bill

 

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[diggummup]

Maybe off an old steam tractor??

 

[DirtDigler]

That thing must've made your detector scream, huh? I think you may be right. Could be a steam control lever from a locomotive, steamboat or steam tractor. If you have a local steam/tractor show, ask around. Railroad buffs are great sources of information also. Wish I could tell you more. Good luck!

 

[traderoftreasures]

This could be a handle for a steam whistle