Not sure, or maybe I am. But before I toss it into the pile...

[ToastedWheatie]

I"ve long since accepted that a lot of things are just pieces to parts and I really don"t have to know what it is.
But this one got me thinking.
I eventually settled on its purpose was to be driven into a post or wood to hold a cable or wire, as in the last pic. Appears brass.
But today I found that the site was home to over 100 years of military family history, and at least one was an officer in local militia post 1800. A Revolutionsry officer, a major in War of 1812, etc. Straight through post Civil War. There may have been local training here as well.
So before I toss it into the pile, I wanted to be sure.

With all that being said, is there a possibility that this had some military use?

Any thoughts? Age?

 

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[smallfoot]

That's a mobile hook. Might be military but may also be civilian and have been being made ever since man figured out "fire and metal good". The shank could have been made crooked but I suspect it was probably straight and maybe bent in use. Something like that could have been tapped into a tree or post to hold a number of things around a camp area or building.

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

First thought that came to mind was a Colonial leather working tool.

It looks to be old and complete to me, so I definitely wouldn't "toss it into the pile".

Dave

 

[creskol]

With a square shank and a seating shoulder, my guess is that it is some sort of swage made for a particular purpose.

 

[Goldiver]

It reminds me of an antique iron rain gutter hanger but looks like it might be a bit stubby for that purpose. It is a cool looking piece whatever it is.

Steve

 

[ToastedWheatie]

That's a mobile hook. Might be military but may also be civilian and have been being made ever since man figured out "fire and metal good". The shank could have been made crooked but I suspect it was probably straight and maybe bent in use. Something like that could have been tapped into a tree or post to hold a number of things around a camp area or building.

Gotchya. Tent cable support, lantern handle, etc.
I would think that if it was made for home or farm use (fence wire, etc) it would be iron, and not have the expense of brass, no?

 

[ToastedWheatie]

It reminds me of an antique iron rain gutter hanger but looks like it might be a bit stubby for that purpose. It is a cool looking piece whatever it is.

Steve

OK. I can see it used to secure something copper, like flashing or gutters. Would explain why its not iron.