Colonial Brass Tool

[mbcuce]

Found an interesting brass tool at a colonial site. Appears part of it folded up inside the compartment, maybe had a top on it. Could have been a pick of some sort, haven't seen anything like it before.

 

[Red-Coat]

Interesting.

Looks like it may be the broken end part from a candle-snuffer/wick-trimmer. Lots of different configurations, but this kind of thing:

 

[mbcuce]

Interesting.

Looks like it may be the broken end part from a candle-snuffer/wick-trimmer. Lots of different configurations, but this kind of thing:

View attachment 2075799

Very nice, that looks like it. Couldnt tell if the handle was broken or not but I think that is it. Thank you!

 

[Almy]

Unusual find and great ID!

 

[tamrock]

Agree wick trimmer. Looks pretty old.

 

[UnderMiner]

Snuffs out the candle, then you can trim and shape the wick with the built in scissor action. These devices were used in colonial times all the way to the dawn of electricity. But get this, the self-trimming candle, like the ones we have now where the wick curls over itself, was invented in 1825. I'm not sure how quickly it was adopted internationally, but this would have made the device you found superfluous. Cheaper and simpler candle snuffers would likely have become more common than the snuffer/trimmer device. Just based on this information I would wager your artifact dates to before 1825, the style also just evokes an 18th century aesthetic which is in line with the colonial nature of your dig site.

 

[Sandog]

Snuffs out the candle, then you can trim and shape the wick with the built in scissor action. These devices were used in colonial times all the way to the dawn of electricity. But get this, the self-trimming candle, like the ones we have now where the wick curls over itself, was invented in 1825. I'm not sure how quickly it was adopted internationally, but this would have made the device you found superfluous. Cheaper and simpler candle snuffers would likely have become more common than the snuffer/trimmer device. Just based on this information I would wager your artifact dates to before 1825, the style also just evokes an 18th century aesthetic which is in line with the colonial nature of your dig site.

What he said.😊

 

[CRUSADER]

Interesting.

Looks like it may be the broken end part from a candle-snuffer/wick-trimmer. Lots of different configurations, but this kind of thing:

View attachment 2075799

Yeap, beat me to it.

 

[Gare]

Great Call Red Coat !!!

 

[river roamer]

Interesting find

 

[chub]

Redcoat..... Truly Excellent !!!! As usual. Your input here on TN is superb quality.

Chub

 

[ArfieBoy]

Great finds! Thanks Red-Coat for sharing your knowledge... again! Congratulations on the find! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Digger RJ]

Found an interesting brass tool at a colonial site. Appears part of it folded up inside the compartment, maybe had a top on it. Could have been a pick of some sort, haven't seen anything like it before.
View attachment 2075796 View attachment 2075797 View attachment 2075798

Very Cool!!! Congrats!!!