cellar hole find - doorknob looking thing?

[grasshopper]

found this around some cellar holes...have no idea what it could be. some I have shown think it may have been a top? i have absolutely no idea. Any suggestions welcome.

 

[DCMatt]

I was going to say bedknob. But it does look like a spinning top (circa 1880).

DCMatt

 

[Tigger]

Could the top come off? Shine a light in broken area - any residue inside?
I was guessing inkwell, but I'm not sure about stub on bottom, unless to secure it into a stand?

I used to throw my dad's old top, doesn't look like the right shape, and why the hole in the top? HHmmmmm?

 

[grasshopper]

Could the top come off? Shine a light in broken area - any residue inside?
I was guessing inkwell, but I'm not sure about stub on bottom, unless to secure it into a stand?

I used to throw my dad's old top, doesn't look like the right shape, and why the hole in the top? HHmmmmm?

top doesn't come off; doesn't seem to be anything on the inside.

 

[dvdwin]

looks like a door knob...

 

[tennessee digger]

I too think it is a doorknob. The flange looking thing with the hole in it is where the other knob attached to it through a wood door. That is my guess. Tennessee digger

 

[Montana Jim]

Not a doorknob with a hole/post at both ends... best bet is a brass bed frame (or similar) decoration or finial, IMO.

 

[lostcauses]

grasshopper
You took photos with your phone.
You might want to read this thread:
http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,456609.0.html

 

[lostcauses]

It does look like a top with the hole being were a threaded rod or spinner went.

 

[taz42o]

Doorknob , the shaft has been mashed out through the knob, last pic notice its off center because the shaft is tilted.

I think its a non turning knob, just a pull for door or drawer because the shaft is not square and theres no set screw.

 

[DCMatt]

Maxwell's top (circa early 20th C.)?

DCMatt