✅ SOLVED Hinged metal object found with sword and bayonet

[Kron]

Hi all,

This is just a quick question, does anyone have an idea what this item might be?

It was found in Ireland by my grandfather hidden away along with a 1796 British light cavalry sabre, a bayonet from a Brown Bess musket and an ankle fetter. An interesting mix of items I think you'll agree!! The items would suggest a late 18th/early 19th century origin.

The two parts form a hinge which unsurprisingly does not move any more. There are two small holes on the roundish flat bit.

This may be military in origin, it may be civilian, your guess is as good as mine. I don't even know which way is up! :roll:

Is it something to do with a musket, or perhaps something to do with the cavalry gear?

The length of the main part is 21cm/ 8.5 inches.

Thanks!

 

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[nsdq]

shutter stay

 

[pistol-pete]

Looks like a set of blacksmith tongs with one handle bent double.

 

[Kron]

Looks like a set of blacksmith tongs with one handle bent double.

Hmm not so sure about a shutter stay but a blacksmith's tool seems more likely, and has been suggested elsewhere.

Do you think the spike would have been pushed into the ground and a foot put on the flat bit to hold something in place? It may not have been specifically a smith's tool, perhaps carpentry...

The exact curvature suggests it's not just a bent handle...

Thanks!

 

[DCMatt]

It is a "rush light". Common in the British Isle until the late 19th C and saw a bit of a revival in WWII.

Inexpensive artificial torch/lighting.




DCMatt

 

[Kron]

It is a "rush light". Common in the British Isle until the late 19th C and saw a bit of a revival in WWII.

Inexpensive artificial torch/lighting.

View attachment 706688


DCMatt

Fantastic DCMatt! Thanks a million for that, I was completely puzzled by it.

As an aside, these items were found hidden in the thatch of a cottage, not the best place for a rushlight!

 

[skateandcreate]

Good id dcmatt!

 

[Discrimination Dave]

DC been on a roll lately!