First relic find?

[Sandog]

On my 3rd beach detecting effort I found this item at the foot of an eroded dune in St Lucie county. It is in the area where 1715 finds have been made, but I have no background in these things to hazard a guess as to what it is or what it's origin may be. Pretty sure it is an old piece, definitely looks hand made. I think it is too slender and long to have been a spike or nail. Maybe a pin or needle? Could be an eye under that build up on the rounded end. Straightened out it would measure 13.25 inches long and about .25 inches at the thickest.
New to this metal detecting, and forum use as well, so any help would be appreciated.

 

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[Icewing]

I still think it's just a big hand wrought square nail / spike.

 

[Sandog]

Thanks for the response Icewing. My first thought also. Maybe some one will come up with a pic of an identified similar object.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

It cannot be a nail/spike, because it is much too long in relation to its thickness (digger says 13&1/4-inches by 1/4-inch at maximum). The force needed to hammer it into even a softwood like pine would bend it. Keep in mind, it is simple thin wrought-iron, not modern (or even old) steel.

I think the tapered square-bodied end fit into a wooden handle... making it a tool of some type.

 

[pepperj]

Looking at the first pic. it looks round but in the second it looks squared, as TCG stated the dimensions are off for it being a spike. What are the blobs made of on the item, have you taken the crust off one of them to ID what's under the corrosion?

 

[Sandog]

Thanks for the feedback. No I haven't removed any of the encrusted materials, this exactly as found. Having no experience with this type of object I reverted to my emergency room RN rule #1, Do No Harm.

 

[PullTabProphet]

Perhaps an antique Sail needle? Ya know, for Sail repairs/manufacture?

 

[Goldiver]

Just guessing here but could it possibly be a vent pick for cannons? Either way I hope it turns out to be something good. Definitely looks very old. Maybe someone from McLarty museum in Vero Beach could figure it out.

Steve

 

[Retired Fire]

PullTabProphet may be onto something. I was thinking it may be an Iron Needle for stitching Twine to close a Burlap Sack.

 

[Sandog]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. I actually did go to McLarty prior to posting here. They really had no suggestions as to what it was, and said it most likely wasn't from 1715 fleet but was very old.

 

[Sandog]

Sent an email and photos to U of F Anthropology and Archeology dept today. We'll see if they even want to take a look see at it. If so, I will surely let ya'll know.

 

[Davers]

Welcome to T-net , hope it turns out to be something Cool, & If not it's still a Neat Beach find, Thanks for you 'RN' Service
"Do no Harm" ....You sound like a good Nurse to have.