copper mystery item

[1digger]

Found this today at an old millhouse site in PA dating back to the mid 18oo's. At first I thought it was some kind of strange key, then maybe a winder to a grandfather clock. Pretty sure it is not a drawer pull, as the rectangular part had been cast twisted away from the ring. Any ideas?

 

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[TheCannonballGuy]

It is a "fancy" version of a horseharness gag-chain's end. A gag-chain was part of the horse's bridle-and-bit harness. See photo below, showing a page from a 1907 horsegear catalog. Look at the bottom of the gag-chain, at lower right.

 

[1digger]

Thank you Cannonball Guy! I've seen other posts of yours and want to say your wealth of information is very helpful to many of us. Appreciate it.

 

[CRUSADER]

These are are fairly common find on here. Some, specially the more rounded types have been wrongly sold as sword belt hangers.

 

[Tony in SC]

Looks like a reins guide for a buggy. Tony