Sterling Whats it

[Nana40]

Sterling What's it

I found this today. It's 2 1/2 inches long closed and 3 1/2 inches long opened. Is stamped 'sterling'. Has a hinge and what looks like a pin on the back side. Also on the narrow end, it is sharp and has a small upward bend. As I dug it out of the hole, I thought I had found the end of a spoon. :P

Here's the what's it uncleaned....




And cleaned....





THANK YOU!!! Nana

 

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[Nana40]

Re: Sterling What's it

SHHHHHHH....don't say the 'Z' word with MEagle around, ya'll!

All great guesses, but I just don't know...I like the napkin idea but that doesn't explain the hook on the back or the pointed piece...

How about this thought....scarf pin maybe?

Ya'll don't laugh at my model....

Thanks for the replies!

 

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[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Sterling What's it

The point may have a purpose. I say it could be a "tie clip napkin holder." It clips a napkin to the shirt somehow during dinner. Here is another example. http://www.walshbrothers.co.uk/Update/napkin_clips.htm ...but just a guess.

 

[ashleen]

Re: Sterling What's it

Nice find, Nana!
Congrats

wild guess.......maybe it pinned to blouse and held thin wire spectacles?
or maybe a chatelaine?

 

[Nana40]

Re: Sterling What's it

Thanks Ashleen and Cy. Let me throw this out at ya....

Do you think this is the initial 'C' , or just part of the design?



If the thinking is that it is the letter 'C', this would make the pointed end on the top side.

 

[Nana40]

Re: Sterling What's it



I don't know...maybe not...with the other bigger 'C' looking swirls above it.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Sterling What's it

I think its part of the design. Like u said there are others. I count seven "C's."

 

[Nana40]

Re: Sterling What's it

Here ya go, TT....was hard to get a good pic of the sharp pointed end.....

OH...and forgot to say that it isn't spring loaded.

Thanks! Nana

 

[Noodle]

Re: Sterling What's it

Lordy, Nana, I still think it's a hanky-holder. bedtime... it's sure purty, though. How do you find all this unique stuff?? You need to move closer to me... Give Charlie a hug...

bg

 

[River Rat]

Re: Sterling What's it

That's really a unique find. Gotta love stuff like this. I'm taking a wild guess after seeing the pointy end, I'm thinking a napkin holder and that the pointy end (if it opens outward) was used to stab a olive or pickle. Where's Dg39 when we need him, what about PBK?

Sure hope you find out what this thing is.

RR

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Sterling What's it

Does the pointy end swivel, or is it stationary like the pointed ends on the tie clip napkin holders i posted? Can it clip to a shirt like a tie clip?

 

[dg39]

Re: Sterling What's it

Tie back for a curtain? It would not necessarily be mounted in any way. Just served to hold material back for a bed or window.
DG

 

[QUICKSILVER (appletree)]

Re: Sterling What's it

BARRETTE!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[stoney56]

Re: Sterling What's it

Does the pointy end swivel, or is it stationary like the pointed ends on the tie clip napkin holders i posted? Can it clip to a shirt like a tie clip?

Cy, I see your point. (no pun intended)..could it be used either for a built in placecard holder or maybe a toothpick?

 

[Nana40]

Re: Sterling What's it

It doesn't swivel Cy. It doesn't have a spring in it either to snap it back together.

Thanks for all the input ya'll! Nana

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Sterling What's it

It doesn't swivel Cy. It doesn't have a spring in it either to snap it back together.

Thanks for all the input ya'll! Nana

If it doesnt move then it cannot be to poke something with. It could function like a tie clip.

 

[texan connection]

Re: Sterling What's it

Money clip

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Re: Sterling What's it

I am going to guess that it has something to do with needlework
...perhaps a stiletto and that the pointed part wasnt always bent back...but straight out from the end.....

 

[Noodle]

Re: Sterling What's it

It's the 19th Century's version of the Leatherman. Toothpick, hair clip, pipe cleaner, napkin holder, hankie holder, screwdriver, zipper pull, money clip, belt punch, curtain tieback, pickle/olive pick, nail cleaner, needlepointer, ear cleaner, letter-opener, shoe-buttoner, ice pick.

I rest my case. 8)

 

[Noodle]

Re: Sterling What's it

It's the 19th Century's version of the Leatherman. Toothpick, hair clip, pipe cleaner, napkin holder, hankie holder, screwdriver, zipper pull, money clip, belt punch, curtain tieback, pickle/olive pick, nail cleaner, needlepointer, ear cleaner, letter-opener, shoe-buttoner, ice pick.

I rest my case. 8)

Hey, I like it. A Victorian era multi-purpose tool - that's got to be it!!! Good work, Noodle.

And to top it off, there's only ONE of 'em known to be in existence!! You're gonna be RICH, Nana!!

Tell Charlie he can NOW retire officially!!

 

[Mental Granny]

Re: Sterling What's it

I like Noodles idea! WSD has a good one too! But I think CY is probably right! I was thinking maybe scarf or a zipper pull of some sort a shoe button hook thingy but maybe $ holder for a lady to pin paper $ inside of a blouse pocket?


Oh just pm PBK!