✅ SOLVED What have I found

[carnage1on1]

I found this hook at a civil war river crossing in Mississippi really close to a harmonica reed. Was curious to what it is. The metal isn't iron or lead. Its got a greyish color to it. The hand screw on the end is most definitely brass or bronze. I have uploaded the pictures for your comments and opinions. I have been metal detecting North Mississippi civil war camps since about 2008 and am convinced I am in a good detecting spot due to finding the harmonica reed and large pieces of old iron deep in the ground in an old road bed. Thanks for the help!

 

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[tamrock]

Maybe a clamp down latch off a pressure cooker ? Or maybe an air paint canister ??... It looks broken and maybe cast aluminum.

 

[creskol]

Hmmm.. I can't see that the thumb screw serves any purpose, other than to maybe anchor the device to something.. Strange piece!

 

[CaptEsteban]

It reminds me of a pressure cooker clamp, as well, but their wing nuts were much larger.

 

[invent4hir]

The arc shown on the right side of the 3rd photo matches that of a 18" diameter circle. Maybe whatever this thing is was attached to a barrel, drum, or something circular.

 

[Wildcat1750]

Sure has me stumped... It does look like it hung on, or fastened to, the rim of something.

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Looks to be made of pot metal or zinc to me, so likely something utilitarian in nature.
I like Grant's theory... "Maybe a clamp down latch off a pressure cooker?"

Dave

 

[Poppa Relic]

Thanks for the help everyone. I do believe it is pot metal or zinc as well. Ill mark it as solved. Pot metal broken stuff from long ago lol! [emoji106]

 

[Deftone]

Wow! Totally coooool!