Cap(?) to ?

[invent4hir]

The possible cap pictured below was found at what was once a farm in SW Ohio - which was settled in the late 1790s-early 1800s. In the center of the first & second pictures the words "PAT PEN" appear. Along the bottom rim I think is "DAYTON". Along the top of the rim I see a few more letters, but unable to make out. Before donating it to a local museum I was hoping to narrow down what the artifact is and what it was used on.

 

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[DCMatt]

That word at the top is the key. I think I can see CO. O - which could indicate a 5 or 6 letter name followed by CO. O(hio).

But that big hunk of rust obscures the name. Assume it is cast iron? would that rule out being a fuel cap or water cap?

Also, when was the term "PAT PEN" first used? Seems like a 20th C thing to me. Again I don't know and can't prove it.

 

[Tony in SC]

Is the inside threaded? I first thought oiler/lubricator cap, don't know about the hole unless it's a vent?

 

[Retired Sarge]

Fence post cap? I know there were cast iron ones made, and the hole could be where the set screw would go. Just a thought.....

 

[invent4hir]

That word at the top is the key. I think I can see CO. O - which could indicate a 5 or 6 letter name followed by CO. O(hio).

But that big hunk of rust obscures the name. Assume it is cast iron? would that rule out being a fuel cap or water cap?

Also, when was the term "PAT PEN" first used? Seems like a 20th C thing to me. Again I don't know and can't prove it.

DCMatt, thanks for chiming in. You're right, the rust and wear obscures part of the name and yes it is iron. Maybe I should try putting a paper over the letters & rubbing w/ a pencil. Interesting point about the first use of PAT PEN". While I found no date of first use, I saw a clock stamped PAT PEND 1856 - so it seems at least the 19th century.

 

[invent4hir]

Is the inside threaded? I first thought oiler/lubricator cap, don't know about the hole unless it's a vent?

Tony, I don't see any threads inside. Will look into a oil/lubricator cap. Thanks for the tip!

 

[invent4hir]

Fence post cap? I know there were cast iron ones made, and the hole could be where the set screw would go. Just a thought.....

ffuries, fence post cap is another I hadn't thought of. Will add that to the Google list. Thanks!

 

[invent4hir]

Hi all, took your suggestions, but didn't find a oil/lubricant cap or fence post cap similar. I cleaned it off more, and only 1 more letter (an "H", I think) appears along the top of the rim. The hole on the side (fourth picture) isn't round and I question if it ever was. There doesn't appear to have been anything attached there and there are no threads inside. I also looked at caps used on room radiators, axles, shafts, etc. but those had threads. Thanks to all who chipped in and I'm still open to suggestions...

 

[DCMatt]

May we see the new, cleaned up version showing the letter? Is it at the end of the name? Beginning? Middle? Every clue matters...

I also thought about an exhaust stack rain cap for a tractor. But it doesn't seem very practical for that...

 

[invent4hir]

May we see the new, cleaned up version showing the letter? Is it at the end of the name? Beginning? Middle? Every clue matters...

I also thought about an exhaust stack rain cap for a tractor. But it doesn't seem very practical for that...

DCMatt, thanks for checking back in. Attached are some pictures of the cleaned up and painted version. The letter I thought was an "H" now appears to be a "K". I think it is also the last letter in the name. When first dug, I too first thought it was a rain cap. However, when I didn't see a seam at the top or a pivot, disregarded that thought. As mentioned before the hole isn't round. Upon closer look it seems it was made that way - but to what end I'm not sure. The last picture shows the thickness of the sides aren't uniform (thinner at 9 o'clock than 3). To make it fit in a display case, I had to cut off about 1/2". Before doing so I noticed that the rim of the opening was tapered inward - perhaps to slide over something. Given this was from a farm & fruit orchard - I'm guessing it was from a farm implement, vehicle, or household applicance.

What I'm puzzled about is does the PAT PEN apply to the "cap" or what it was attached to. Probably never know for sure. Also, thought about looking at Dayton City Directories to see if there were any foundries w/ a 4-6 character name. Lastly, there is a Henry Ford-like Museum near Dayton called Carillon Park that has old vehicles that I might go look at to see if I can spot anything. If some of the volunteer restorers are there, I'll also get their opinion.

People think I'm kidding when I tell them that for every hour I spend in the field metal detecting, I can spend up to 10 hours cleaning, preserving, and attempting to ID and date an artifact. Think I've exceeded the quota on this one.