Colonial What Is It?

[Valley Ranger]

I found this on a colonial farm site, right where the old home once sat. It's brass. Looks similar to a shut off valve key for a modern gas fireplace. What do y'all think?

 

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[Ia.FurTrade]

It's a barrell spigot key......so nobody could steal your booze!

 

[Valley Ranger]

It's a barrell spigot key......so nobody could steal your booze!

Aha, thanks! 1800's I would assume?

 

[Rolladex]

Looks like a key to wind a clock to me. Just my thought. Nice find!!

 

[Valley Ranger]

Looks like a key to wind a clock to me. Just my thought. Nice find!!

Thanks Rolladex, but I think LFT nailed it. Scroll down toward the bottom of this post and check out the photos. Looks very similar to mine: http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/t...lonial-barrel-spigot-dug-today-mebane-nc.html

 

[Ia.FurTrade]

At least 1800's......could as easily be 1700's.

Iowa Fur Trade

 

[Valley Ranger]

At least 1800's......could as easily be 1700's.

Iowa Fur Trade

Oops, thought that was a small "L". Sorry IFT! I appreciate the info.

 

[VOL1266-X]

That's a COOL OLD find Richard. I was first thinking clock key too. WTG, Q.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

That's a great find. I found a similar key last year with a triangular base that fit a barrel tap I already had. Very nice little piece of colonial history.

 

[Erik in NJ]

Here's one I found in England this past summer....a barrel tap key, it also uses a triangular opening. For some reason the English ones almost always have the two holes...I have yet to learn why.

 

[Valley Ranger]

That's a COOL OLD find Richard. I was first thinking clock key too. WTG, Q.

Thanks Quindy.

 

[Valley Ranger]

That's a great find. I found a similar key last year with a triangular base that fit a barrel tap I already had. Very nice little piece of colonial history.

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Hey Bill - yeah, your image pretty much confirmed it for me. Thanks!

 

[Valley Ranger]

Here's one I found in England this past summer....a barrel tap key, it also uses a triangular opening. For some reason the English ones almost always have the two holes...I have yet to learn why.

Thanks Erik. Hmmm . . . maybe it makes them easier to grip and hold on to after "tapping" the keg. ;-)

 

[TiBorn]

Cool finds, have you ever considered crafting brew?

 

[Valley Ranger]

Cool finds, have you ever considered crafting brew?

Not since I became a teetotaler. My Dad and grandfather both used to make homemade wine though.