Brass found in park

[hunterV3]

I found this in a park that I believe is not that old. It is cast brass (or bronze?). The square measures exactly 5/8" across. Pictures are before cleaning and after cleaning in a tumbler. It was near the top of a sledding hill. Thought it might be some kind of specialty tool for a snowboard or skis.

 

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[SODABOTTLEBOB]

There might be a clue buried somewhere among this listing of about 600+ photos of various types of antique wrenches in the website link below. I looked at some of them, but there are just too many to examine each one individually. Maybe someone has more time than I do to check them out.

The picture is an example of what the site contains, and is photo #565

There must have been a lot of different things that required a "square" box-type of wrench. But if our mystery item is a wrench, then it certainly couldn't have required much leverage to use.

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Wrench Link: http://www.greatplanestrading.com/MVWC/MVWC11.htm

 

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[High Plains Digger]

Yea, I am still not too excited on a wrench of any type. Or skate key. Or some sort of turn off. Time to get out of the box.

 

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

Even though I can't find much to support my theory, I'm bailing out with my guess of ...

~ Circa 1910 Car - Acetylene Gas Headlamp - Adjuster Tool/Key ~

I base this on the fact the item is small - has a 5/8" square hole - And appears to require minimal leverage when in use.

The pictures below show a side and back view of a typical acetylene headlamp, with the back view showing the square adjusting nut. Notice in the side view that this nut protrudes away from the body of the lamp. According to my research, this adjustable nut either increased or decreased the flow of acetylene, thus adjusting the brightness of the light. The wing nut on the side (I believe) was another adjustment, possibly for a wick type of feature. There are aspects to this whole gas headlamp stuff that I have not researched, and at present don't fully understand.

Hopefully it will be identified soon.

Good luck.

Signing off ... SODABOTTLEBOB

 

[traderoftreasures]

square nut brake for bicycle...? you know "the brakes"

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Although not marked as such, this is believed to be a true "Prest-O-Lite" key. The 5/8" measurement looks about right. The small circular part on the item in question "might" be for fingertip application.

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The first 2 water valve wrenches you pictured are only about a quarter inch. The OPs 5/8 inch square opening is much larger and would need more leverage than the tiny 1/4 inch water valves pictured. There is no way you are turning a hydrant with this thing and I doubt it turns anything. I have trouble opening and closing my acetylene tanks and the valve is under a quarter inch. No way you turn a valve this large. A 5/8 inch square shaft is maybe not as large as a hydrant but its a large valve.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Another thing a brass wrench would be rare. I dont think its a wrench of any kind for these 2 reasons:

1- no leverage
2- not steel

 

[Chug And Red]

I don't know the Name of it But i think It is part of a Valve the Limits the Movement!!! I Have seen it somewhere But I don't remember Where!!! Chug

 

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

Yea, I am still not too excited on a wrench of any type. Or skate key. Or some sort of turn off. Time to get out of the box.

I found this earlier and wanted to share it with those, like High Plains Digger, who are thinking outside the box. And who are thinking instead of a tool, the item is a "part" to something like the 1950s Plymouth door assembly piece shown below. Parts like this are found on lots of things like locks - machinery - clocks - etc. Which there could be hundreds of variations, and why I quit looking when I found this one.

Link to where I found the "door part" pictured below:
http://www.streetrodderweb.com/tech/1001sr_1950_plymouth_three_window_coupe/index.html

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[Bigcypresshunter]

I was thinking some kind of automotive shim but I cannot figure why there are no marks on it. Are we looking at both sides?

The large size kinda rules out door latches. I was thinking suspension part, but again, why no scratches or markings on a soft brass part? And why would it be in a park?

It may be some kind of large latch part but it appears to have no wear on it at all. Can we see a pic of the other side? I think we have 2 pics of the same side.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

It may be part of an old sled. Some kind of latch or adjustment part. It kinda reminds me of the wheel adjustment lever on lawn mowers and I can see it being a finger adjustment. I dont know why it needs to be brass unless its antique. .

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

square nut brake for bicycle...? you know "the brakes"

It does remind me of those. The brake is steel but maybe a bronze shim but why no wear? We need to see the other side.