Some kind of handle?

[kimsdad]

This isn't anything valuable, but I can't figure out what it is. It was found in an old forest preserve. Any help would be appreciated.

It's a plated metal piece that is hollow. In the wide end there is a metal semi-circle that pivots freely. There is a small opening in the other end, and there is something hopelessly rusted on the inside. Then there's the assembly on the top....

I found a couple of wheats in the same area - a 1919 & a 1929

Any ideas?

 

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[jimbob450]

I agree with geese. Can opener. Jimbob

 

[Tony in SC]

The latch for a vent window on an old car?? Tony

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Can opener....really have no idea but that was what it looked like when I opened the post
J-G

maybe... the wheel, cutter and crank are missing. ...or maybe a handle to a pressure cooker pot. ...just guessing.

 

[DD-777]

Almost looks like the top of an old stapler. The added piece on top could have held the "cushion" to push on...

 

[riverite]

Looks like a handle for a quick release strap clamp

 

[Monty]

File or Rasp handle? Monty

 

[txkickergirl]

looks like its a latch from an old style window

 

[DD-777]

Definitely a "whatsit"...

 

[kimsdad]

Yeah, for sure! Thanks for all the good ideas!

I managed to get the rusted piece inside loose. In the sunlight, it looks like the remnants of a coil spring, with something inside it - a rod And the opening in the small end is actually a slot.

I just can't think what it might be. I wish the assembly that was on the top was still there. That might have been a good clue.

Thanks again for the ideas!

 

[trikikiwi]

Yeah, for sure! Thanks for all the good ideas!

I managed to get the rusted piece inside loose. In the sunlight, it looks like the remnants of a coil spring, with something inside it - a rod And the opening in the small end is actually a slot.

I just can't think what it might be. I wish the assembly that was on the top was still there. That might have been a good clue.

Thanks again for the ideas!

You've just described the internals of a stapler - Good ID by DD-777

Mike

 

[txkickergirl]

here is a pic of the window latch that makes me think thats what it is.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Yeah, for sure! Thanks for all the good ideas!

I managed to get the rusted piece inside loose. In the sunlight, it looks like the remnants of a coil spring, with something inside it - a rod And the opening in the small end is actually a slot.

I just can't think what it might be. I wish the assembly that was on the top was still there. That might have been a good clue.

Thanks again for the ideas!

You've just described the internals of a stapler - Good ID by DD-777

Mike

maybe.

 

[DD-777]

I have tried and tried to find a pic of a stapler to match this to - try and google "vintage staplers" and you get machines from waaaaay back. I'm about 80% positive it's the top of a stapler...

...the other 20% thinks it can also be the top piece to an old embossing/stamping (seal type) machine...

 

[trikikiwi]

Likewise DD-777,
I have searched high and low amongst staplers - and now have googley eyes

If it is a can opener, why does it have a spring, which has a rod through it, in it's internal bits?

I'm 99% sure it must be a stapler.
(Obviously I'm open to argument - to convince me otherwise)
Mike

 

[trikikiwi]

That 1% just kicked in - could it be a kitchen tool which combines a can opener (is it missing a blade?) and a weighing scale?

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Likewise DD-777,
I have searched high and low amongst staplers - and now have googley eyes

If it is a can opener, why does it have a spring, which has a rod through it, in it's internal bits?

I'm 99% sure it must be a stapler.
(Obviously I'm open to argument - to convince me otherwise)
Mike

ive been thinking. (for a change) and i think it is too short for that type a can opener. It is less than 5 cents long which would only be about 3 1/2 inches long.
I think stapler but what is the top piece for?

 

[kimsdad]

Yes, I too have Googley eyes! It seems too small to be a can opener. While part of a stapler seems promising, it's size and construction tell me otherwise. I can see the window latch similarities, but I'm not convinced. Watercolor thinks it might be a vent window latch from an old car. I have been considering everything from part of a banjo, drum, or other musical instrument to part of a bicycle - see photo of old bike bell. My first impression of it when it first came out of the dirt was some kind of kitchen tool.

Now this darn thing is starting to become an obsession. Why couldn't it have been a Morgan dollar??!! Why did I ever bring it with??!! Just like a crow, the attraction to a shiny object was just too strong & I had to take it home... Ahhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll gladly ship it to anyone who wants it! Please get it away from me!!!

 

[Mobes]

Maybe it's a handle off of an old refrigerator or freezer door. Just a guess

 

[DD-777]

Likewise DD-777,
I have searched high and low amongst staplers - and now have googley eyes

If it is a can opener, why does it have a spring, which has a rod through it, in it's internal bits?

I'm 99% sure it must be a stapler.
(Obviously I'm open to argument - to convince me otherwise)
Mike

ive been thinking. (for a change) and i think it is too short for that type a can opener. It is less than 5 cents long which would only be about 3 1/2 inches long.
I think stapler but what is the top piece for?

Cy - the piece on top would have held the "pad" or push point of the stapler...