✅ SOLVED Iron worming piece?

[Bharpring]

I found this iron piece at an old colonial site, but have no idea what it could be? Anyone know what it is?

 

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[Tony in SC]

Could have been a worm or bottle brush?

 

[bowwinkles]

Get you a small open mouth jar and fill it with soapy water and then use this tool to make yourself bubbles.

https://www.pinterest.com/shanyamag/wire-bubble-wands/

 

[snaps]

Impeccable shape for dug iron!

 

[jeff of pa]

could it be a vintage cork retriever ?

 

[spoggy]

Looks like something used to hold a burning splint (match).

 

[DCMatt]

The ring end looks like a choke wire from a Model T Ford. But I've never seen one with the corkscrew business on the other end.

 

[bowwinkles]

A new name I discovered that may explain my description better is "Bubble wand". The cork screw looking part is maybe the handle. see link posted above.

 

[relic lover]

I wish I knew what it was my mother is an antique collector and has one hanging in the kitchen neither one of us knows what it is for sure. I have successfully used it to remove a lost cleaning patch from my muzzle loading pistol don't tell my mother LOL

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Packing extractor for stuffing-box shaft seal? (like on a boat propeller shaft)

 

[cutty]

Packing extractor for stuffing-box shaft seal? (like on a boat propeller shaft)

View attachment 1538572

I agree, back in the day packings were used alot until the newer type seals came out. Not sure when that was.

 

[Bharpring]

I agree, back in the day packings were used alot until the newer type seals came out. Not sure when that was.

That is interesting, how would it work?

 

[cutty]

The packing is made from some graphite/fiber material and this tool was used to reach into the packing area and screw into the old packing so it could be pulled out then new packing would be installed

 

[DCMatt]

I agree, back in the day packings were used alot until the newer type seals came out. Not sure when that was.

Just to give some time reference, Chevrolet car engines used graphite impregnated rope seals on the main bearings until the 1954 model year.

I can tell you from personal experience that the old style rope seals require considerable maintenance as they leak like an NSA contractor.

 

[Bharpring]

I’m sorry, but this was found at a colonial site. Literally no modern trash or stuff newer than 1820s.

 

[Bharpring]

But who knows? Maybe a mechanic in 1954 was roaming about?