✅ SOLVED Found two spigots/taps- any idea how old they are?

[Skohler]

First venture out today and found these two brass spigots. One has the handle to turn it on/off, the other looks like there must be some sort of key that is missing. Any guess how old they are? The site is a tavern built around 1779. Also found some flat buttons and round ball that would be around .44 caliber. The first spigot was found across the street in a field 10 feet or so from the road, second was maybe 20 yards from the first. For sure my first interesting find!

Not sure why the photos are upside down-sorry about that.

 

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[Tony in SC]

L would say mid to late 1800's. They're barrel taps.

 

[ARC]

L would say mid to late 1800's. They're barrel taps.

Agreed.

 

[Skohler]

So then likely 1850's to maybe 1890's? Would these be normal to find in most households at the time? I was hoping it was related to the function of the tavern, but it stopped being a tavern in the 1820's. Thanks for the help!!

Because they are rather small, would these maybe more likely used with barrels of liquor or maybe oil?

 

[Steve in PA]

The one in the bottom of your upside down pic I would say late 18th/early 19th century. The one with the T shaped flow control I would date 1830 - 1870 give or take 10 years. A top view of the bottom one would help determine if it was key operated tap.

 

[Skohler]

Thanks Steve,

The one without the T handle is definitely key operated, it has a slot with a post in it so that you can't just use a coin or a knife to turn. I'll see if I can get a picture of it.

Steve

 

[Steve in PA]

Thanks Steve,

The one without the T handle is definitely key operated, it has a slot with a post in it so that you can't just use a coin or a knife to turn. I'll see if I can get a picture of it.

Steve

The key operated ones are usually 1780s to 1820s. Have you found any of the caps that are slotted for the keys?

 

[Skohler]

No caps yet, but a huge help in showing what to look for. I doubt I would have know what a cap was if I did find one, now I know. The T handle one in your pic is very similar to mine. I'm fairly new to metal detecting and was fortunate to have two folks out with me giving me guidance (thanks Jill and Rick if you read this).

 

[Skohler]

Close up of the top where a key would fit. The post in the slot looks like iron.

 

[Steve in PA]

Close up of the top where a key would fit. The post in the slot looks like iron.View attachment 1867192View attachment 1867193

Yep. You have a key operated keg spigot.