Found while detecting a 1780s farmhouse. What do you think it is?

[melnibe]

It's all copper except for the rusted screw. It appears a screw goes in the other hole also. The inside has rails like it grips onto something and then the two screws clamp it. It is stamped twice with Pat. 1852 the top stamp is not as pronounced as the bottom one. Any thoughts would be apprieciated. Thanks

 

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[Lora the Explorer]

Hi There! Your find is interesting. Can you tell us the approximate size? Thanks...

 

[al-nm]

well cant tell by the size of pic as to if its about two inches long or not. if it is it looks like the head to an old razor. if it has a spot on the bottom where a round handle would screw on then i am sure thats what it is.

 

[lonesomebob]

I do believe it is a cable clamp, for holding a loop in small cable, then maybe it is a........................................

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I do believe it is a cable clamp, for holding a loop in small cable, then maybe it is a........................................

I am thinking the same but cannot find it on an 1852 patent search.

 

[melnibe]

Thanks to everyone who gave their thoughts. It measures about 2 1/4 x 1 inches folded together. I was thinking it was a clamp to splice two electrical wires together, since its solid copper. Honestly I don't know when electricity came to Vermont. Keep the thoughts coming thanks.

 

[TN-Joe]

Looks like the part of a window lock that the clamp turns onto to keep the window shut/locked. Like in an old school house. Just a thought.
Joe4

 

[ghost_rider]

FYI- This piece may not be from an electric pole but may rather be from a telegraph pole. I don't think there was electricity in the 1850-1860s.

There is a use for the copper or otherwise it would have likely been made from a less valuable metal such as iron!!!

 

[Ramitt]

Telegraph used electricity to transmit signals.