✅ SOLVED Don't have a clue...

[Finneas]

This was found by a friend in a 1901 farmhouse. These are the only pics I have and she said it will fit in your hand.

 

[vpnavy]

1st - I noticed this was your very first post Finneas - so, Welcome Aboard! You didn't list your state (or country) in your profile. So, you might consider jumping over to Sub-Forums: Select Your Area.... and selecting location information (i.e., clubs, hunts, finds, legends, maps, etc.) directly related to your state (or country).

2nd - I moved this request over to What Is It? for more exposure.

 

[kcm]

What state was this found in? ...This one looks like it's gonna be fun!

 

[Tnmountains]

Welcome. I was thinking light swag or some type of twine spool. This is a tough one.

 

[kcm]

ARG! It's buggin' me!!

I did some checking around, but the closest I can get to is that it's a form of apple picker.

From the OP, it appears the total height is 6" (4" for the basket and 2" for the hook/handle) and width is 5". Have checked on pickers/harvesters for apples, oranges, corn, hedge (Osage orange) balls, melons, nuts, etc. Found one vaguely similar that someone ruined by turning it into a light. But as yet, no matches!!

...Could it possibly be for shellfish?

 

[mojjax]

stove pipe cleaner ?

 

[ARC]

Gary Spivey wig remover / holder ? ? ?

 

[taz42o]

I Agree with mojjax ,chimney brush.

 

[DCMatt]

It is part of an old sock knitting machine.

 

[DCMatt]

....

 

[kcm]

That DEFINITELY wasn't on my guess list!

 

[Finneas]

thank you so much!

 

[bradyboy]

I seem to recall seeing an item like this before, related to a fish / bait trap
IMO Brady