Pair of Whatzits...

[DanInMA]

Found these next to each other in wooded site that has produced wheaties, a William III Halfpenny (ca. 1700) and everything in between. These were only a couple of inches deep. Seem to be made of brass. The top loop on one of them is smaller than on the other. Both sides are flat. Any ideas? Thanks, Dan

 

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[mojjax]

I'm thinking that maybe they are for holding the trays or weights on a set of old scales .
Mojjax

 

[ozzysdad]

Remind's me of part's of an old Block and Tackle? Dig a little deeper? Maybe it was used to lower a chest....... you never know, what's hiding below.

 

[Bavaria Mike]

Looks like a possible book hasp, to keep the book closed in the old days. HH, Mike

 

[GabbyGEP]

They look like pothooks used to hold cast iron kettles over a fire. Are they flat, they appear to be in the picture? Just my 2 cents worth. Great find. HH.

GabbyGEP

 

[jlewisk]

I'm with Gabby, they look like pothooks.

 

[JARMAN]

Pot hooks,Cool relics.HH

 

[DanInMA]

The Pot Hooks have it....

Thanks, all. They seem a little short for pot hooks--but camping at the site was likely--so I'll go with it. Yes, Gabby, they are flat on both sides--and about 1/4" thick. For the record, Quality, it's a 12" STANLEY--but good try! HH, Dan

 

[Vrent]

made of brass and flat appear to be hangers for a scale

 

[Monty]

If they ewre pot hangers they would be of cast iron or flat iron. Most likely something else but I haven't a clue?? JIM

 

[RangerGal]

I have used wrought iron pot hooks, and they are twisted, round, or square in thickness. The reason for this is that it takes the blacksmith less time to shape. They usually started with a long rod and shaped it, sometimes flattening it in the process. Some blacksmith got square raw iron to start with, and twisted it to make lovely designs in the metal - These appear to be flat/ovular stock.

However! Pot hooks these are not. I grew up in a house built in the 1700's and these are window latches or storm shutter latches that have had their eye-ends stretched open. This (now open end which was once a loop) is the one where it was fastened onto it's permanent side. The curved but not closed end then slides around a peg or knob to keep the window or shutter closed.?