Decorative Object?

nkellam22 · Nov 8, 2020

I found this object in a field in western mainland Europe.
The area I found it in has stuff dating from Roman times-modern times with everything in between.
If I had to guess I would say it's a late 17th-century doorhandle but that's a guess.
It's made of copper or some sort of copper alloy.
Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

Retired Sarge · Nov 8, 2020

Small shut off valve or water tap handle......Would be my guess, especially with the square hole and a set screw hole.

Back-of-the-boat · Nov 8, 2020

I have used a sillcock key, which I referred to as a faucet or water key. That looks similar but I would think yours was a valve handle for gas lighting or some type of gas fixture, brass was used because it didn't spark when hit by other metal. I believe it is brass which is an alloy of copper and zinc.

bradyboy · Nov 8, 2020

gas key
Damn - back of the boat beat me
Backs posted reasoning is very sound
designed to turn, not pulled
but then again could be a decorative water faucet
brady

vhs07 · Nov 8, 2020

From an old door lock similar to this

antique-vintage-exterior-entry-door_1_68ecf121734344c9b1bdf8ae79568862.jpg

mdmike · Nov 8, 2020

looks more decorative (less utility) in nature...i do like handle, but perhaps a curtain pull or tie back. it might have had a square nail in it to drive it into a wooden wall stud.