Got a question about a point found...

[flintlock]

Found this point a few years back at a very early site. I've always associated this as a copper delaware indian point. The point is hollow and measures about 5 inches long. My question is...if this is infact a copper delaware indian point, where are the seams like you see on rolled brass pieces we find? How in the world did they make this without a seam?

 

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[Lucas]

No seam = lightning rod tip.

 

[mikusek]

Looks like lightning rod tip. Does the very tip appear to be a different metal or color? Here's a photo of an early 1900s or late 1800s tip. Yours appears to be older than the one in my photo.

 

[flintlock]

Thanks for the reply mikusek! I have identified this as a lightning rod tip as well... after many discussions. I am proud to say I have dug several early rolled brass points since then! Take care!

 

[mikusek]

If your tip is old enough, it could have been used as an arrow tip by Indians, they were opportunistic and inventive, as your brass points prove. I believe Ben Franklin invented the lightning rod, not sure of the year or the style he designed.

 

[Glenn C]

The Indians were pretty crafty with kettle metal. Looks like a conical point to me. Judging from the items in the background I would say it is a point. Nice looking find.

 

[pursuit]

I have a couple pictures of a semi rolled or unrolled kettle fragment, we've found numerous points with a seam down the center. The site is dated 1773-1812 . This particular piece may have been meant for something other than a point but the example is the same as if it was being worked into a point.

 

[Glenn C]

I believe those are tinker cones. Indians would cut up copper kettle metal and make these shape to attached to their clothing. This would create jingling sounds when dancing etc. Or for decoration. If you find ones rolled like a cigarettes they are for their hair.