What is this Horsehead thingamajig?

[ffx2]

Found at a house that dates back to at least the early 1800's.

 

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[ffx2]

People I work with have said it could be the top of a cane or a bottle stopper but I really don't think it's either. Seems too small to be for a cane and there isn't anywhere to attach a cork so is probably not a stopper either.

 

[CoilyGirl]

Welcome ffx2. Maybe someone will come along soon to help you ID your find,it's cool,

 

[recondigger]

Found at a house that dates back to at least the early 1800's.

Could it be the end of a riding crop ?

 

[BosnMate]

Could it be the end of a riding crop ?

Or an umbrella. What metal is it?

 

[ffx2]

Or an umbrella. What metal is it?

My first impression was that is was plated silver. Right now I'm not sure what it is, I filed the end that looked like it had broken and it seems to be fairly hard and yellowish/brass colored in the middle

 

[ffx2]

Did the first 2 pictures load properly? There should be 3 pictures

 

[BosnMate]

I'm leaning toward a finial on something, and being that small, perhaps the handle of an umbrella or parasol

 

[Silver Searcher]

It's a Horse Rein Hook... A very Nice one at that.

SS

 

[BosnMate]

It's a Horse Rein Hook... A very Nice one at that.

SS

Located how? Where? I've never seen one. Is it on the carriage dash? I've owned and driven a couple of buggies, and didn't have a rein hook. I need to know more.

 

[Silver Searcher]

Located how? Where? I've never seen one. Is it on the carriage dash? I've owned and driven a couple of buggies, and didn't have a rein hook. I need to know more.

I believe it went on a saddle, it looks like a piece has broken off on the one posted, which would have been were it mounted.

SS

 

[BosnMate]

I believe it went on a saddle, it looks like a piece has broken off on the one posted, which would have been were it mounted.

SS

I think the photo you are showing is what's called a rein guide or terret. I didn't know they made them that fancy. I've never heard of a rein hook, which doesn't mean all that much, on account of I'm not the brightest bulb in the bank, and just because I've never heard of one or how it would be used doesn't mean they don't exist.

 

[Silver Searcher]

I think the photo you are showing is what's called a rein guide or terret. I didn't know they made them that fancy. I've never heard of a rein hook, which doesn't mean all that much, on account of I'm not the brightest bulb in the bank, and just because I've never heard of one or how it would be used doesn't mean they don't exist.
View attachment 1069997

Here you go Mate. Rein Holder or Terret - UK Finds Database -

SS

 

[Ant]

The way that it is secure and size makes me think it is a topper decoration.

 

[ffx2]

It's a Horse Rein Hook... A very Nice one at that.

SS

What we're they usually made out of?

 

[Silver Searcher]

What we're they usually made out of?

Depends, ornate ones could be commissioned, so it's what ever they wanted to spend.

SS

 

[ffx2]

The way that it is secure and size makes me think it is a topper decoration.

That looks to be very close too! What would they be used on?

 

[ffx2]

Depends, ornate ones could be commissioned, so it's what ever they wanted to spend.

SS

I've been telling guys at work this things made of silver plated gold . I'm working on getting all of them to buy a detector, the Capped Bust 1824 half dollar I found the other day has some of them convinced and this piece is definitely adding a lot of intrigue.

 

[Ant]

I think it would fit on a trophy, plaque, a drink stirrer, and other things like that. I also think it is aluminum and at one time it was fitted in something that was copper or brass because I see a little green on the bottom rod.

 

[ffx2]

I think it would fit on a trophy, plaque, a drink stirrer, and other things like that. I also think it is aluminum and at one time it was fitted in something that was copper or brass because I see a little green on the bottom rod.

I'm a machinist and deal with a lot of different types of metal and can tell you this is definitely not aluminum. Whatever this metal is has some sort of plating which I thought was silver when pulled it out of the ground but am not sure right now. I filed the piece where it had apparently broken and the metal under the plating is a yellowish/gold/bronze color and seemed to be harder than brass or bronze.