Gold Plated Copper Thingy

[Metal Magnet]

Howdy folks. Went out for about an hour at a place I really like. It used to be an old farmhouse that is on the maps going back to 1836. I found a large cent there recently dating from 1846. I headed back to the general area where I found the large cent today and got a signal within about 5 minutes. It was a strange signal, but I decided to dig it b/se of the location.

Anyway, about 4 inches down out pops this thing. It is copper with patina in the exposed areas. It is gold plated and is decorative. Might be pressed b/se it has very nice dimpling around the edges where half moons appear. It is smashed, but has a hole in the middle with a protruding cylinder in the back. It almost appears that it went over something, like a flag mast or something.

Any help appreciated!


Ill post pics in a sec as they are on the other computer and I just realized that

Okay, here are the pics:

 

[Breezie]

It's probably part of a Victorian candelabra or mantel clock. Interesting find, Breezie

 

[PChammer]

Sort of reminds me of a fitting on a smaller knife handle. Either the end cap or mid piece.

 

[Metal Magnet]

interesting thoughts, thank you! I could see either really b/se it's decorative. I did notice something I hadn't before. If I put the end up to light, inside looks to be edged in wood like it used to house a wooden handle. So I'm leaning toward the knife theory.

I'll post a pic in a minute.

 

[Dano Sverige]

Wick holder from an oil lamp.

 

[Metal Magnet]

Yet another intriguing answer. Maybe I should try to get the stuff out to see what material it is....


Okay, I extracted the material and it is definitely wood:

 

[PChammer]

I'm still thinking it's a knife bolster and the guard slid over it. Also possible it could have been the butt end cap.

 

[Metal Magnet]

I would concur and am going to make it solved. Though not definitive, it's good enough for me.

thanks for all the input!

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

It could be anything. Old umbrellas were wood so it may be a decorative parasol piece. Is there any way to straighten it out? Are you thinking of a fancy copper knife ferrule? I guess its possible but kinda fancy I think for a bolster/ferrule. I think it just looks like a knife ferrule because its smashed. http://www.thompsonsknives.com/ferrules.html

 

[AU Seeker]

I think it could be from a cane/walking stick.


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