Solved A thin sharp star, a ringed thing and Jack knife

[cdsieg]

A thin sharp metal star with little holes in it. I have no idea what it is. It is very sharp. I don't know what the ringed thing is and any thoughts on age of knife would be nice. Thanks!

[savant365]

The thing with the ring is called a poultry scale I think (it's definitely a scale though) no clue on the others though.

[Bigcypresshunter]

The thing with the ring is called a poultry scale I think (it's definitely a scale though) no clue on the others though.

I was looking for a pic lol

[Breezie]

I've got a brass scale I've had for umpteen years, and it still works; see pic below. The star looks to be a decorative piece. Because of the holes, I think it was 'heat' related either as a candle huggie or something dealing with candle light, lantern, etc. It could have been the star in the top of someone's Christmas tree many years ago. If you Google 'punched tin stars,' you'll see lots of ideas. Neat finds, Breezie

[cdsieg]

The thing with the ring is called a poultry scale I think (it's definitely a scale though) no clue on the others though.

Thanks savant

Cdseig. PLEASE! Did you try a darker background? White doesnt work with your camera, it cannot properly auto-adjust to the white background (dark on white)! (Im not yelling just trying to get your attention this time)

Use an old blue or green tablecloth or towel, heck anything but white. Wood is good. Black or red will probably even work.

The lighting seems much better but you may be surprised how good your pics will look with a dark background when using the cameras automatic settings. Thanks.

All of these and many more of these photos were taken BEFORE your suggestion, I will have many more posts before it appears that I appreciate your advise; but I heard you and will give it a shot with my new items. (Once I take the photos the items end up in special piles outside the RV, so I don't have to listen to my husband complain about all the sand and rust all over the camper)! We are getting swamped with rain here and it may be a day or two before I can dig through the piles for new photos. In the meantime... I have time to post things... because I can't be out detecting! So please bare with me or avoid my posts for the rest of the week. Just know that I appreciate all of your help and have many things to learn. I am teachable, so please don't give up on me!


As an example look at Breezies picture below to compare.

[cdsieg]

I've got a brass scale I've had for umpteen years, and it still works; see pic below. The star looks to be a decorative piece. Because of the holes, I think it was 'heat' related either as a candle huggie or something dealing with candle light, lantern, etc. It could have been the star in the top of someone's Christmas tree many years ago. If you Google 'punched tin stars,' you'll see lots of ideas. Neat finds, Breezie

I was hoping it was a Ninja weapon... a throwing star! How's that for an over active imagination!

[kuger]

Your scale is called a Spring scale and certain ones do date to the 1850's

[Bigcypresshunter]

I removed my comment about the pictures because I see the latest ones are much better. Im sorry I didnt look much past the first dark pic and it may just look dark on my screen.

Taking pics with white background can be challenging with auto function cameras.

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

Just for the fun of it, here are ...

1. cdsieg's rusted scale.
2. Breezie's Chatillon scale.
3. 1892 Patent of Chatillon scale.

[Tuberale]

The name for the "thin sharp star" would be shuriken, or throwing star. But I don't think this is that.

It looks more like a Jewish "Star of David" to me. While it may be sharp, it might also have some other function. I can't figure out what the holes in the star are for.

[Bigcypresshunter]

I think its an antique cookie cutter similar to this: http://junk2junque.com/4%20Antique%2...okie%20Cutters

[Tuberale]

bigcypresshunter's cookie cutter sure looks similar, but has holes that clearly go all the way through the metal. In reviewing the original photos, don't see any hole which is through the metal. Are there complete holes, or has the "thin sharp star" rusted completely, filling the holes? Also, bigcypresshunter's cookie cutter looks more aluminum than what seems to be ... iron, maybe? Something that rusts, at least.

Can you check whether the holes are completely through the metal, cdsleg?

[Bigcypresshunter]

bigcypresshunter's cookie cutter sure looks similar, but has holes that clearly go all the way through the metal. In reviewing the original photos, don't see any hole which is through the metal. Are there complete holes, or has the "thin sharp star" rusted completely, filling the holes? Also, bigcypresshunter's cookie cutter looks more aluminum than what seems to be ... iron, maybe? Something that rusts, at least.

Can you check whether the holes are completely through the metal, cdsleg?

Older cookie cutters are galvanized steel. The rust makes the hole look like a saltine cracker but I see white in the holes of pic 4 (Star 5).

[Tuberale]

At the widest point bigcypresshunter's cookie cutter appears to be identical with the "thin sharp star" of cdsleg. The widest point has 6 holes in a line, which seems identical to this. I think this may be a match.

[Bigcypresshunter]

At the widest point bigcypresshunter's cookie cutter appears to be identical with the "thin sharp star" of cdsleg. The widest point has 6 holes in a line, which seems identical to this. I think this may be a match.

I didnt notice that. My star is 8 point but I think its close enough to call it solved. Cookie cutters were a common item almost in every household. Breezies scale is also close enough if not identical brass version.

[cdsieg]

At the widest point bigcypresshunter's cookie cutter appears to be identical with the "thin sharp star" of cdsleg. The widest point has 6 holes in a line, which seems identical to this. I think this may be a match.

I didnt notice that. My star is 8 point but I think its close enough to call it solved. Cookie cutters were a common item almost in every household. Breezies scale is also close enough if not identical brass version.

Awesome solve! The match is remarkable! Thanks again!

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

Even though the picture below does not have the numerous vent holes like the item in question, it does confirm that "six point star" shaped cookie cutters were being made and used during the 19th century.

Plus, here's some additional information I found regarding 19th century cookie cutters in general ...

SBB

~ * ~

Quoted from ... "The Antique Detective" by Anne Gilbert:

Historically, cookie cutters were made by family members and itinerant tinsmiths that traveled the country in the early 19th century. Often, the tinsmith would spend several days making cake tins, pans and pails. The cookie cutters for the most part were made from leftover tin scraps. Some interesting examples have turned up showing they were made from flattened baking powder tins and canisters. Most 19th century cookie cutters had one-of-a-kind patterns. Often crudely made, that is part of their charm.

CLUES: There are several ways to judge the age of a cookie cutters. One is the subject. Early 19th century hearts and birds resemble the Pennsylvania Dutch motifs found on bride's dowry chests. The birds are reminders of the show towels and samplers of the time. Other popular subjects were stars, the "preacher" and a lady in contemporary costume. Domestic, everyday objects such as a shoe, gun, pitcher and even a clothespin were depicted.

Early cutters, made of strong, thin steel plate are quite heavy, coated with tin. These days, the plating may have worn away and touches of rust will show. They also were heavily soldered. A cutter made in the mid-20th century will have a telltale cutting edge with an applied, thin line. 20th century cutters will be light in weight.


{ Described as 19th Century Cookie Cutter }

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

P.S. ~

I may not be the only one who has wondered how it was possible for a cookie cutter to have lost it's handle and cutting edge? If in fact it even had them to begin with. Which leads me to suspect it might not have been a "cutter" per say, but rather a "pattern" type where the user cut along the edges with a knife as opposed to just punching it out.

Question for cdsieg: Are there any tell-tale remanents of where a handle and full perimeter cutting edge used to be soldered to the star?

Thanks.

SBB

[Bigcypresshunter]

Very good information on cookie cutters Bob and spring scale patent..

I thought cookie cutters were galvanized (zinc coated) steel but maybe they were all tin coated. It could use some research. I knew they were coated with something to prevent rust

[cdsieg]

P.S. ~

I may not be the only one who has wondered how it was possible for a cookie cutter to have lost it's handle and cutting edge? If in fact it even had them to begin with. Which leads me to suspect it might not have been a "cutter" per say, but rather a "pattern" type where the user cut along the edges with a knife as opposed to just punching it out.

Question for cdsieg: Are there any tell-tale remanents of where a handle and full perimeter cutting edge used to be soldered to the star?

Thanks.

SBB

Thanks for the question and the reality check, the answer is, no. I do not see any signs of parts removed or broken off.