Creek walking find. Old paint brush? Writing utensil? Wood, copper and brass?

[MrMarsHill]

Just as I was about to wrap up my creek walk for today, I saw the beautiful green verdigris sitting on the bank. I grabbed it and pulled, and it just kept coming! I rinsed it in the creek, walked out of the woods, and have been wracking my brain ever since! What is this thing! The wood handle is tapered, like a small paintbrush would be, if you know what I mean. Thicker down near the metals and tapers to a thin spot on the tip. The item is 15.5" long as it sits now. I am only guessing that the green part is copper and the "goldish" color is brass? I'm not great at identifying metals obviously Haha. The golden color metal is actually a thin sheet wrapped around another type of metal inside. Lead maybe? The tip is quite heavy. Either way, no part of the item is ferrous (magnetic). I feel as though I've seen or held something like this before and I just cant shake it! I dont even know this is necessarily very old. The wood is in great shape. But I do pull lots of nice leather and wood relics from this site, maybe good soil? Any help is much appreciated as I'm going about crazy now! I'm sure one of you will see this and just KNOW... I hope so anyway Haha! Thanks in advance for any ideas!

 

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[MrMarsHill]

Just for reference... this site is used even today as a swimming hole and walking trail. Its history begins with the Native Americans, I've found pottery fragments right near where this item was found. Then the white settlers came in the 1700s. There was a colonial cabin somewhere near where I found this item(still hoping to find the exact location). There was also a civil war winter camp just up the hill from this creek. As well as a mill that ran for atleast 150+years on the site. It could literally be from anytime between the 1700's and right now lol. That doesnt narrow it down much, but maybe some of the history of the area can help!

 

[Retired Sarge]

Reminds me of a breakdown fishing pole.

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

My first thought was, that it's part of a collapsible Victorian parasol or umbrella.
Here’s a c1880 example I found online.

Dave

 

[ticndig]

maybe part of a weather vane

or a lightning rod

 

[bradyboy]

i was going to say a grounding rod

 

[Georgivs]

Looks like a grounding rod. It would have been hammered into the ground from the flared end. IDK why that end has a taper and the flare is so far down though.

 

[Diggin' History]

Looks like part of a Butter Churn handle... maybe.

-DH-

 

[DCMatt]

maybe part of a weather vane or a lightning rod

Agree. Lightning rod.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

The unidentified object's finder (MrMarsHill) said, "The wood handle is tapered, like a small paintbrush would be, if you know what I mean. […] The wood is in great shape."

As y'all know, I usually try to be more helpful than merely saying what I think the unidentified object ISN'T. However, in this case, I must make an exception... no offense intended, guys, but...​

I don't think a lightning rod or a grounding rod has a wood handle (or any other part) made of wood.​

 

[ticndig]

Well you've made a good point TCBG. so I change my guess to a tent pole

 

[HuntinDog]

Ok I might be way off here, but this is what it reminds me of....

A PAINTER HAND REST
The end with the brass/copper "handle" would be where the resting ball of leather would be.




​

 

[GoldieLocks]

And are we sure it isn't the boken end of a pool game stick?

 

[DCMatt]

Bed warmer handle?

 

[DCMatt]

Here we go...

Found in a creek? Trout fishing landing net handle.

 

[Mine Shaft]

Going to say Ram rod.