Colonial Site Dug Iron Relic....What Is it?

[Lifes A Garden...Dig IT]

Me and my brother, novatreasure, have been digging a Colonial site that has produced some pretty amazing finds to say the least. Banner worthy suggested by many Tnet folks but, has not yet made it? Anyway, I have an item amongst others I am stumped on from this site. It looks to be hand forged iron and pretty sturdy. It has become my very first fully completed electrolysis attempt and I'm happy with it so far. It is really interesting and satisfying bringing back that original character from those old, dug, rusty iron relics. After electrolysis was complete, I sealed with a satin spray urethane. LENGTH OF THE ITEM IS 7". LENGTH ACROSS THE T HANDLE IS 4 3/4". Picture of buttons are just to show period and reference of site being dug.

 

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[Lifes A Garden...Dig IT]

Well with just over 100 hits on this thread and not one guess, it's not looking good.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Ok. Can't go without at least a guess or two.

Tool to shape dipped candle bases to a specific size to fit in candleholders?

Cork sizer?

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

In the before pics the other items look like a hammer head and some tongs so maybe it has something to do with blacksmith shop possibly to grab rods out of coals?Was there one at the site?

 

[yaxthri]

This is kind of far fetched...
How about some kind of door opener?

https://www.antiqueswords.com/LG_Te...rly 19th Century Japanese Key and Door Opener

 

[GpSnoopy]

I look at the shape of this item, and see 2 separate possibities for use. First is a hand held tool to lift or pull something, as mentioned by Charlie and Back of the Boat. Second is a type of hanger where the t handle would sit between 2 rails, boards, rafters, spikes, etc. and used to hang items from the loop.

 

[yaxthri]

Got it... I think.
A blacksmith handmade manhold cover lifting key!

Scroll down to image here:

how to unblock a drain or soil pipe

 

[Rean.c]

I agree with Charlie, that one piece on the paper towel appears to be some sort of dipping tool


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[Rean.c]

Or maybe an extracting tool perhaps taking something out of a hot liquid or fire? .. Just guesses


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[hbeaton]

Took some time with this. While this wrought iron forged relic may turn out to be a blacksmith's shop tool of some sort... here's some other ideas to stoke the fire of curiosity. One is part of a colonial gate/latch assembly for either a barn door or just a big arse door of any sort during that time. Second idea is it being part of an iron betty lamp assembly. Third area is a wall mounted candle holder or lamp holder. The fact that it has the T shape handle makes everyone run to "well it has this ergonmoic hand held type grip so it must be something you put in your hand right?"such as for example dipping as was mentioned before or possibly lifting a pot of some sort. I think its possible but maybe the T shape is not necessarily for the hand but rather to be load bearing within a different medium like a wall or door or something.

When in doubt seek out people who would know, right? Being from Virginia Beach, we have a rich colonial history. I make the trek to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown at least a couple times a year. Anyway, there is as fully functioning real deal blacksmith there called The Anderson Blacksmith Shop and Public Armourer. I have sent these pics to them for help with ID'ing. I think they may be helpful in knowing what this item really is assuming it does not get sniped here beforehand.

Waiting to see what they have to say.