Wierd LEAD HANDLE-VAYANK got it right!

[Breezie]

Hey Ya'll, Below are some pics of a lead HANDLE (?). It has threads in the neck, and looks 'mammy made' to me. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance, Breezie

[dozer dan]

could be its not a handle but the handle screws into the threaded part.

my wag?? dead blow hammer.

[Breezie]

could be its not a handle but the handle screws into the threaded part.

my wag?? dead blow hammer.

Good thinking DD, but the top is open, so I don't think it could be a hammer.

[savant365]

It looks exactly like the pull handle off of the starting rope for a push lawn mower but I have never heard of one made out of lead? Good luck with an ID,

HH Charlie

[johnnyi]

I think you're going down the wrong road with 'handle". It looks more like a ferrule of some sort. Whatever was held in the wide groove was held there partly by what went through the hole in the side. As Dan said, the handle, if their was one, was what screwed into the threaded end.

[Breezie]

I think you're going down the wrong road with 'handle". It looks more like a ferrule of some sort. Whatever was held in the wide groove was held there partly by what went through the hole in the side. As Dan said, the handle, if their was one, was what screwed into the threaded end. Thanks Johnny; I measured the diameter of the threaded neck, and if closed it would be 1/4 inch, so with your & Dan's theory, the handle would be more like a small rod because of the size.

[Breezie]

I'm wondering if it could be a CW 'field made' HANDLE that was used as some type of musket tool, like the handle to a Fuse Gimlet, since it was found where other CW items were located. Breezie

[vayank54]

That's a wierd one Breezie. it could be something field made from the civil war I've dug several lead handles for bowies knives or tools in camps. Is there a small hole or a broken screw on either of the flat ends? If there is it could be a hand stamp. They would put lettered blocks inside to spell their name or what ever they wanted to stamp. They had a small screw on one end to hold the blocks. If it's not that then I have no idea.

[Breezie]

That's a wierd one Breezie. Yep, leave it to me to drag something weird out of the ground; lol. it could be something field madeI agree, it does look field made to me. from the civil war I've dug several lead handles for bowies knives or tools in camps. Is there a small hole or a broken screw on either of the flat ends?No, the only hole is the one on the front side. If there is it could be a hand stamp. They would put lettered blocks inside to spell their name or what ever they wanted to stamp. They had a small screw on one end to hold the blocks. If it's not that then I have no idea. Join the club. .. .I do think it is a handle instead of the handle being missing because it is only 2 inches wide. If it were vice versa, the handle would have to be a tiny rod. We're headed out today to do an early 1800's yard; hopefully by tonight I'll have something interesting to post. Breezie

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[Tony in SC]

Are you sure it's lead and not pot metal. Lead is not a good metal for threads because it's so soft. Threading a piece of metal is something that is not usually done in the field. So I think is is probably shop made. Lawn mower starter rope handles were not threaded. When I first saw it I thought 50's or 60's park brake handle. What ever it is you sure got people thinking on this one . Tony

[Breezie]

Are you sure it's lead and not pot metal. Lead is not a good metal for threads because it's so soft. Threading a piece of metal is something that is not usually done in the field. So I think is is probably shop made. Lawn mower starter rope handles were not threaded. When I first saw it I thought 50's or 60's park brake handle. What ever it is you sure got people thinking on this one . Tony

Tony, Yes, it is lead and has a nice white patina like the CW bullets. As you can see it weights 80 grams, and is only 2 inches long. I think vayank is pretty much on tap, but it doesn't have the side hole like he was talking about. I do believe it was hand made. Thanks, Breezie

[Breezie]

Is there a small hole or a broken screw on either of the flat ends? If there is it could be a hand stamp. They would put lettered blocks inside to spell their name or what ever they wanted to stamp. They had a small screw on one end to hold the blocks.

I think vayank might be right; it could be a Hand Stamp. I looked at it closely tonight and saw an area which appears to have letters; part of a "C" and part of an "O." Maybe this particular Hand Stamp had the set screw in the front where the hole is located. When looking at the pic below, the partial letters look like they are raised, but it is an optical illusion; they are intaglio relief. Is it possible the letters embossed the lead by mistake when heated or otherwise? Whutcha think? Breezie

[Breezie]

Okay, I looked at it again, and I think I see a backwards "P."

[Breezie]

I marked this one solved after downloading this pic of a Hand Stamp from the Internet. Thanks to all, Breezie

[Shadowmanflash]

Hey Breezie, hate to be the odd ball but I thought I would give it a shot to, you think it could be a real old water or gas shut off, I've seen some similar, anyway, just a thought, Ken.

[vayank54]

Cool Breezie now you see why I thought that's what yours is. I dug one like with the eagle but it was damaged. (

[Bigcypresshunter]

I marked this one solved after downloading this pic of a Hand Stamp from the Internet. Thanks to all, Breezie

Wow! I cant believe you IDed this one. I can see where the loose type pieces would go. Amazing ID Breeze and vayank.

[IronSpike]

The piece is bent and was original flat/level or would a stamp plate insert provide that

[Breezie]

The piece is bent and was original flat/level or would a stamp plate insert provide that

IS, yes, the piece is bent and originally was flat on the top to allow the letter and/or a plate to fit just inside the open area at the top. I'm adding this theory: I think the impression of the letter "P" and part of the other letter, was made when this Hand Stamp was broken, then disgarded, probably in a fire. I found black ash/coal looking grains packed hard inside of it, as if it had been exposed to a fire. The heat from the fire probably melted the lead enough to cause an impression of the left-over letters.

BCH, thanks for the kudos, but vayank is the one who got the ball rolling, plus everyone (thanks ya'll) who contributes an idea, whether right or wrong, adds to the solving of the puzzle; so thank you too for your help in all of the items I've had listed under WII.

Also, let me take this time to say HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone. We are truly blessed. I'll be busy for the next few days with family, so if I'm not in the forum as much, you'll know why. Maybe the sun will shine sometimes over the weekend, and I can dig around for something else to 'worry us all.' LOL Have a good one, Breezie

[Hutch911]

I have dug a hand stamp and it was pewter. If it was a field made then I can see it being led maybe . But all the one s I have seen in collections are mad of pewter.