Rococo (winding)key?

[namxat]

Dear All,
When I found this item, I was immediately thinking „Rococo style winding key”, since the ornaments do look rococo (c1720-1780), it is basically key shaped with a finger loop and a smaller key chain loop and it terminates in two prongs.
However, after cleaning and nearer inspection I notice that the end has heavy rust stains as if something rusted into oblivion inside the prongs. Something that looks like a rivet is visible too, though I am not sure about that.
Upper side is ripped for no apparent reason.
So, what is it:
A Rococo winding key? A rococo key with the front end having been iron and rusted away? Something else entirely and maybe not even rococo?

Thanks in advance for your answers!

Greets Namxat

 

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[ANTIQUARIAN]

It's too thin for a key, possibly the end of a ribbon or rope for holding back curtains, something that's meant to be seen.
I'm thinking the style is more likely to be from the early Victorian Period.

"The American adoption of the Rococo focused almost exclusively on the style’s ornamental motifs–shells and rocailles, scrollwork, acanthus leaves, and other flora and fauna, often in symmetrical compositions. These were enthusiastically applied, by many leading urban craftsmen, to architectural interiors, engravings, silver, furniture, and other domestic equipage."

Dave

 

[namxat]

It's too thin for a key, possibly the end of a ribbon or rope for holding back curtains, something that's meant to be seen.
I'm thinking the style is more likely to be from the early Victorian Period.

"The American adoption of the Rococo focused almost exclusively on the style’s ornamental motifs–shells and rocailles, scrollwork, acanthus leaves, and other flora and fauna, often in symmetrical compositions. These were enthusiastically applied, by many leading urban craftsmen, to architectural interiors, engravings, silver, furniture, and other domestic equipage."

Dave

Thanks for the reply!

It was found ein the Western Part of Germany, not the US. I should have mentioned that.

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Thanks for the reply!

It was found ein the Western Part of Germany, not the US. I should have mentioned that.

Yes, where it was found does make a definite difference.
Seeing as you found it in Germany, I would think it more likely to be in the Rococo Style.

Here in the west we had a tendency to copy European styles and decorating trends, but we were always years behind.
Dave

 

[ARC]

Part of a candle wick trimmer. - ?

 

[Hawks88]

Interesting find. Congrats

 

[Reanm8er]

Cool find namxat! Maybe held a monocle?

Yeah Dave way behind! We had a revival of French provincial in this country in the late fifties. In the nineties my son and I were walking through a flea market in Asheville NC. We came upon a vendor trying to sell a statuette of a French cavalier to a young
Asian lady. It was probably once the base of a floor lamp. Anyway he was explaining to her that it was a statue of Buffalo Bill right after he "came down from Canada", to which she replied "Buffalo Beeel?". My son got it and he was only 12. We laughed so hard we had to walk away!

 

[Plug N Play]

 

[Bruce R]

I’d say that’s it there Plug !

 

[namxat]

Thanks for all the comments!

When I read the comments from AARC and Plug&play I thought YES!! A candle scissor or a highly ornate sewing scissor.

I still am 90% convinced of this, the only thing I dont come to terms with is the loop for a chain or key ring. Who carries scissors on chain, its even dangerous if it opens.

Antiquarian, clearly to small for a door key, I was thinking more to a teachest or desk key. Besides its not so tiny it looks on the pics. It´s quite heavy.

Reanm8r, dont think so since its quite heavy for a looking device. Would be quite a pain in the face.


Greets Namxat

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Cool find namxat! Maybe held a monocle?

Yeah Dave way behind! We had a revival of French provincial in this country in the late fifties. In the nineties my son and I were walking through a flea market in Asheville NC. We came upon a vendor trying to sell a statuette of a French cavalier to a young Asian lady. It was probably once the base of a floor lamp. Anyway he was explaining to her that it was a statue of Buffalo Bill right after he "came down from Canada", to which she replied "Buffalo Beeel?". My son got it and he was only 12. We laughed so hard we had to walk away!

I hear you Phil, some folks will say just about anything to make a sale.
I didn't know Buffalo Bill was Canadian (just kidding of course)... maybe he was performing at the Calgary Stampede.

Dave

 

[DCMatt]

Part of a candle wick trimmer. - ?

Almost. It's part of 'Grape Shears' - the ultimate Victorian flatware accessory.

 

[namxat]

Almost. It's part of 'Grape Shears' - the ultimate Victorian flatware accessory.

"On the continent, the people have good food. But we in England have good table manners"

No honestly, I never heard of such an item in the whole of Germany. Chances are slim that an English Gentleman traveller lost it here.

Greets Namxat

 

[Reanm8er]

"What do you want? Tuna with good taste or tuna that tastes good?" Charley the Starkist Tuna ca 1965.

 

[Reanm8er]

Dear Namxat, with all due respect, a Bic lighter isn't a very good size reference for those of us that don't smoke.

 

[releventchair]

Thanks for all the comments!

When I read the comments from AARC and Plug&play I thought YES!! A candle scissor or a highly ornate sewing scissor.

I still am 90% convinced of this, the only thing I dont come to terms with is the loop for a chain or key ring. Who carries scissors on chain, its even dangerous if it opens.

Antiquarian, clearly to small for a door key, I was thinking more to a teachest or desk key. Besides its not so tiny it looks on the pics. It´s quite heavy.

Reanm8r, dont think so since its quite heavy for a looking device. Would be quite a pain in the face.


Greets Namxat

Who carries scissors on a chain? Why , ladies of course! L.o.l..

Don't overlook "chatelaines". Some had decorative sheaths/holders for scissors to fit in.https://www.google.com/search?q=lad...iAhVE5awKHe0-AoIQsAR6BAgJEAE&biw=1517&bih=694

 

[namxat]

Sorry,

I will try to find something else next time. Mind you, any ruler or similar here is metric so this would even add more confusion.

In fact I thought it was a good idea, since this item is available everywhere in the world. Perhaps a "crystal pen" or a "sharpie".

Greets Namxat

 

[DCMatt]

"On the continent, the people have good food. But we in England have good table manners"

No honestly, I never heard of such an item in the whole of Germany. Chances are slim that an English Gentleman traveller lost it here.

Greets Namxat

If you Google "grape scissors Germany" you will have your answer. Many made in Solingen along with other types of cutlery. Circa 1900. The style is actually art nouveau, not necessarily English Victorian.

 

[Reanm8er]

There he goes again. Thanks Matt!

I agree on the scissors. I guess I used the wrong term when I said monocle. I guess it would be more of a small looking glass that hung from a chain or cord around the neck.