Iron Locking Pin?

[Breezie]

Hey Gang, I found this iron pin today in an area that has produced a mixed bag from pre-Civil War to Buffalo Nickles. It appears to have been used to 'lock' or stop movement because the top portion is key-like. It is thick and heavy for its size. Anyone have an idea what it is or how it was used? Thanks in advance, Breezie

 

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[traderoftreasures]

maybe it's an old gas light key

 

[NaturalJWL]

Breezie, could it be a hitch pin >?

 

[Gypsy Heart]

It kind of reminds me of a clamp key

 

[Breezie]

Thanks y'all for the ideas. I picked-off some more rust and there is a small rectangular hole in the top. Gypsy, I don't think it is a clamp key because there are no threads. What you see that looks like threads is where I used a pair of pliers to wrench off some of the rust. ToT, I couldn't find a pic of an iron gas light key. Natural, it does look like a hitch pin, but I couldn't find in pics in GOOGLE that looked quite like this. Breezie

 

[lumbercamp]

I've always assumed they are hitch pins. But the ones I find are solid on the top, with no hole. There probably are different styles made, but used for the same purpose.

 

[traderoftreasures]

i see threads

 

[Sheldon J]

so do I

 

[lostcauses]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clevis_fastener

Also the larger ones have such openings at the top so a rod or screw driver can be used to tight them do a image search for clevis, same style pins used for trailer and tractor hitches also.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

I also see threads. That would make it a thumb-screw which could have been from any one of thousands of items or devices from lamps to chimney flue covers to welding clamps.

 

[Breezie]

i see threads

There are no threads on this pin. What you see is where I used a pair of pliers to wrench off the rust. The teeth on the pliers caused those lines.

Thanks to everyone who posted. I can green check this one as some type of old hitch pin. Breezie