18th or 19th century iron torch??

[coachbedford]

I posted this a few months ago,thinking this piece might have been some kind of weapon-- replies I got focused on ground stakes, decorative fencing. Maybe. But....given that this piece is so heavy, dense and only a foot and a half feet high, it doesn't seem adequate as iron fencing. Since then another possibility came to me--- it seems to be the right height, weight, shape to be some kind of wall torch. Granted I would think the cupped head should face upwards, but i don;t know. Just seems from scanning pics that it's the right shape, height and density for an old wall torch.

Any agree? No way? I have also wondered if it might be the top part of a flag standard, stuck into top of the long wooden pole carried by flag-carrying horseman. Anyway, here it is again....

 

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[villagenut]

I would start by stabilizing the rusting process, putting it in an electrolysis tank for a few days then bath in distilled water for a few weeks. There may be detail under there that will help out identifying it. Plus you will help the artifact in the long run...it does seem to be part of a Victorian fence finial to me though.

 

[ARC]

Still reminds me of broken off golf course hole pole with cup attached.

 

[coachbedford]

well i definitely think it could benefit from a preservation process.. I need to track someone down who is adept at that process

 

[NOLA_Ken]

reminds me of a rusted out lag from a railroad trestle or a dock....
similar to but an older version of this one

 

[QUICKSILVER (appletree)]

looks like a large nut on a threaded shaft of some kind