This has me stumped ????

[psgen]

I found this a few weeks ago and it has me completely stumped. I've ask several people, but to no avail. Anyway it's appox. 13" Long, Tapered to a fine sharp point. It has a slight bow to the rod itself and is fairly heavy. I've included two pics. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

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[roswellborn]

It's a (bent) drop spindle for spinning yarn.

DCMatt

I was really rootin' for this - if it only had more length after that li'l pulley lookin' part (to go on a spinning wheel), I'd still vote for it.

Here's a link to a picture of a "modern" spindle http://www.foxglovefiber.com/foxglove/images/quill.jpg The thing is about 12-14 inches long (going from memory - we have one at work), and the "handle" end is about 3/8 inch in diameter.


HH
Nan

 

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[Monty]

If it is a sharpening steel it is a really old one and probably could be considered an artifact, and a good find. Monty

 

[Michelle]

I still think it's "part of" the lightning rod!

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I still think it's "part of" the lightning rod!

Lightning rods would be copper or copper plated, I believe.

 

[DCMatt]

I don't think this is part of a spinning wheel anymore. As pointed out... too heavy. I don't buy the knife steel (sharpener) thing either. If so, wouldn't it have to be made of something harder than a knife balde? Looks like iron to me...

I'm wondering if it's a tine from a piece of farming equipment - like a hay tedder or loader?

DCMatt

 

[iamwood]

It is a hose guide like this one, but without the ornamantation.

 

[Michelle]

It is a hose guide like this one, but without the ornamantation.

thats a good thought...How far down do they go into the ground?

 

[Michelle]

Top of spike looks to have a niche in it as if to turn and lock something on top

 

[Michelle]

I still think it's "part of" the lightning rod!

Lightning rods would be copper or copper plated, I believe.

Signed: unknown
Place: USA
Materials: IronDate: 1800 - 1974 The top of posted iron spike is where an ornament sat

 

[stefen]

Could also be a grounding rod.

 

[Michelle]

Could also be a grounding rod.

 

[dg39]

Nife sharpner, Knife sharpner, to sharpen knives, to make sharp things sharper. Also can sharpen ge-oh-teens blade.
DG

 

[Michelle]

Nife sharpner, Knife sharpner, to sharpen knives, to make sharp things sharper. Also can sharpen ge-oh-teens blade.
DG

LIGHTNING/GROUND ROD :P

 

[lucky1777]

[/quote]LIGHTNING/GROUND ROD :P
[/quote]

Sounds good to me.

 

[dg39]

BUT, why the area in between the outside and center. You do not insulate a lightning rod. I say no,no, no.



DG

 

[TreasureTales]

Sorry, but there is no way whatsoever that I can believe this item is a lightning rod. Copper, being highly conductive, is the standard material for lightning rods AND grounding rods. This particular item seems to point to a utilitarian object...something was was used in day-to-day life and therefore needed to be sturdy. I would lean towards sharpening tool if it were not for the item being "fairly heavy." Sharpening tools were not particularly heavy, despite being made from steel.

 

[Michelle]

http://www.physicstoday.org/vol-59/iss-1/p42.html I just......grrrrrrrr!

 

[TreasureTales]

http://www.physicstoday.org/vol-59/iss-1/p42.html I just......grrrrrrrr!

I think the key point in this link is that the original lightning rod was iron. Subsequent rods were almost universally made from copper, and continue to be so today. As are ground rods. Additionally, they tend to be somewhat tall and lightweight in residential applications. I've seen huge lightning rods on electric substations and even they were relatively light in weight. This item in question appears to have had other parts or pieces originally and it also seems to have been used extensively, but whether for its original intent or for adapted intents is unknown.

I'm NOW thinking the hose guard is a possibility. As more theories and ideas are postulated, I can change my opinion, can't I?!!!!!

 

[Michelle]

postulated Sure you can...that's what we are here for.... isnt it

 

[TreasureTales]

postulated Sure you can...that's what we are here for.... isnt it

Don't ridicule my personal lexicon, please. Yes, we're here to offer OPINIONS about what things might/could be.