Mystery hook ***SOLVED***

[ModernMiner]

No idea what this is. Any ideas?
The open end has threads in it. It changes to silver (plated?) half way up too as you can see.
Thanks,
MM

 

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[Broken knee]

Re: Mystery hook

Maybe it is a lightning rod.
Broken Knee

 

[aka da Prof]

Re: Mystery hook

yup--- lightning rod-- is the base threaded?

 

[ModernMiner]

Re: Mystery hook

yup--- lightning rod-- is the base threaded?

Maybe it is a lightning rod.
Broken Knee

A lightning rod? I would have never thought of that. Yes, the base is threaded. I dug this at an 1830's house property.
Thanks Broken Knee & Farkoff.
-MM-

 

[SgtJim]

Re: Mystery hook

My best guess is it is it a Victorian or earlier button hook, with silver plate hook end the handle was bone or ivory. Nice find
Jim

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Mystery hook

I agree lightning rod

 

[LizardsKeep]

Re: Mystery hook

Was it found with those railroad switch locks? If so it may be railroad related. Don’t know about the lightning rod but it isn’t a buttonhook cause the hook is way too big judging from the picture.

 

[ModernMiner]

Re: Mystery hook

Was it found with those railroad switch locks? If so it may be railroad related. Don’t know about the lightning rod but it isn’t a buttonhook cause the hook is way too big judging from the picture.

Lizards,
Yes, it was. The RR tracks are literally only about 200' from where I dug this up. The tracks have been there in that location since the 1800's.
What do you think it is?
Thanks,
MM

 

[Mackaydon]

Re: Mystery hook

Reminds me somewhat of a lightening rod that Ben Franklin developed:
http://projects.rsablogs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ben-franklin-lightening-rod1.jpg

 

[ModernMiner]

Re: Mystery hook

I agree lightning rod

Reminds me somewhat of a lightening rod that Ben Franklin developed:
http://projects.rsablogs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ben-franklin-lightening-rod1.jpg

So all signs are pointing to a lightning rod unless Lizards Keep can pull a rabbit out of the hat with RR related.
Thanks everyone,
MM

 

[LizardsKeep]

Re: Mystery hook

No wabbits today, sorry. Lightning rod looks pretty good though. If so, may have been used on a water tower or other buildings. I don’t think they actually had them on the trains.

 

[ModernMiner]

Re: Mystery hook

Well Folks, a lightning rod it is then. I would have never guessed that. Thanks to everyone for your help on the I.D.
-MM-

 

[SgtJim]

I agree lightning rod. I never knew they had them on trains. The silver wash or plate conducts electricity quicker than steel. I bet it will command a good price. I sell a lot of railroad buttons anything railroad is in demand.
Again nice find and id.

Jim