Not sure.

[Garabaldi]

Looks old. I don't think it is a copper tube, because there is a seem. Any ideas?

 

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[Ice_Water]

Maybe a large slotted spring pin

 

[Lucas]

The only thing that comes to mind is powder measure, missing the end.

 

[DCMatt]

Lipstick tube?

DCMatt

 

[EdleBrock]

It looks similar to a ferrule for a round paint brush..kind of like these:

 

[DirtyMike]

Maybe from a walking stick/cane. Brass band...Just a guess.

 

[Lucas]

It looks similar to a ferrule for a round paint brush..kind of like these:

Hmmm you could be right on that.

 

[Tuberale]

Your photos show one end, and it appears that end has been crushed a little. If the other end is sealed, it might be something like a finger guard. Notice your fingers in relationship to the piece.

 

[Garabaldi]

Both ends are open.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Both ends are open.

could it be a tinkler?

 

[Lucas]

Both ends are open.

could it be a tinkler?

Not a tinkler, but could be a early hair pipe (Indian hair ornament). What state is it from?

 

[Garabaldi]

found it in mass. what is a tinkler?

 

[Breezie]

found it in mass. what is a tinkler?

Hey G, A tinkler or tinkling cone is a small ornament made from ususally brass or copper that was worn on clothing for decoration. They were basically European trade items to the Native American Indians. Breezie

 

[Lucas]

Most tinklers were made by Indians from brass and copper trade kettle scraps. The hairpipe would have been made for trade. If that's what it is? Still looking for a comparable.

 

[Breezie]

Most tinklers were made by Indians from brass and copper trade kettle scraps. The hairpipe would have been made for trade. If that's what it is? Still looking for a comparable.

Yeppers, you're right, and that's what I meant. G, does it look 'mammy made?' (made from a scrap piece of brass by hand?) Breezie

 

[Tuberale]

Another possibility is a fret used to depress all strings on, say, a guitar or banjo. Using a metal fret would have produced a louder, more strident sound than those currently is use.

 

[Garabaldi]

Most tinklers were made by Indians from brass and copper trade kettle scraps. The hairpipe would have been made for trade. If that's what it is? Still looking for a comparable.

Yeppers, you're right, and that's what I meant. G, does it look 'mammy made?' (made from a scrap piece of brass by hand?) Breezie

Doesn't look like it was made by hand. I found it in a farm field that was newly turned. I have found flat buttons, busket balls, lead seals and modern artifacts also. I thought pluming, but the seam is threw me off.

 

[Lucas]

Buttons, lead balls and lead seals are all common Indian artifacts... hmmm. Gotta hit the books on this one. What caliber are the lead balls? .54 to around .60? Got pics of the seals?