Help ID cone shaped brass item

[screwynewy]

I dug this cone shaped brass item that I'm not sure what it is. Looks like a cap to a pen or a pen holder but I don't place these items at this site based on the rest of the finds there. All of the other items dug from this site date from late 1700's to mid 1800's. It measures 3 1/2" in length and 1/2" in diameter and is open on the large end. It is fairly heavy weight brass. If anyone has any ideas I'd love to hear them.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector, Waterproof Gold Detector, Pinpoint & Terrain Modes, Professional Metal Detector - Grab it through Amazon!

[sutphin]

It looks to be brass end of a walking stick because of the the roughness on the ball but then again it would be worn down from use oh well cant win em all..Vanzutphen

 

[nsdq]

Bottom of a flag pole like a guidon's

 

[screwynewy]

It looks to be the toe cap of a walking stick for the roughness on the ball ..Vanzutphen

It's only 1/2 inch in diameter so the wooden stick wouldn't be very strong but thanks for the idea.

Bottom of a flag pole like a guidon's

Again, it's only 1/2" so it would be a really skinny flag pole. I searched google images and could'nt find an example. Please post one if you have seen a similar one - thanks!

 

[edlynne]

How about a tip to an arrow. Maybe the wood decayed and only the inset remains. Just a guess.

 

[sutphin]

I will try again maybe the brass end to a powder horn ?vanzutphen

 

[ARC]

Looks like antique TRIPOD foot.

 

[rick67]

My first impression. Drum stick.

 

[bzbadger]

Seen something similar but not 100% sure. Possibly the top to a battle flag standard, like the kind used in the cavalry. I looked some up and its close to some pictured but as I said im not 100% but feel im close.

 

[ARC]

here is what I was thinking when I said "tripod" ... just to clarify.

 

[screwynewy]

Thanks for the suggestions all of which are plausible. This may turn out to be one of those finds that never gets a 100% definitive ID.

 

[edlynne]

I think you are right that with some items you are never 100% sure. I did find an image of a tip that goes on an arrow. I think it was used as a blunt tip for small game. I believe it not only saved the arrow but also put more impact on the animal. That is the best thing about this site, the number of ideas the member pass on to you. Nice find.

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

I have seen something like that here on TNet I.D.ed can't remember the post title but it was in what is it?

 

[JRedHorse]

A possible ?

View attachment 1120678View attachment 1120678Looks like one tip off a bolo tie, I have a bolo tie that has the big brass ends like the one pictured here

 

[ARC]

View attachment 1120679View attachment 1120678View attachment 1120678Looks like one tip off a bolo tie, I have a bolo tie that has the big brass ends like the one pictured here

You are absolutely "dead on" with the shape...
I think the size would rule this out...
Unless very large guys bolo... or justa BIG bolo... heh

WHICH... brings me to ask WHAT is it made from ?
And if you can see if it is silver...
IF SO... then a bolo is possible...
IF NOT silver... then no to bolo... heh

 

[JRedHorse]

You are absolutely "dead on" with the shape...
I think the size would rule this out...
Unless very large guys bolo... or justa BIG bolo... heh

WHICH... brings me to ask WHAT is it made from ?
And if you can see if it is silver...
IF SO... then a bolo is possible...
IF NOT silver... then no to bolo... heh

Like anything else bolo parts were made from many different materials, bone, tin, silver, gold, carved Iron wood, stone and so on, and yes , I have a bolo with "Tips" about the same size, I am not saying it IS a bolo tip, but the moment I seen the pic that is what I thought it was until I read the text in the post and realized he was posting it as a question.

My longest bolo tips are 3.4 inches long and has a similar type of design stamped around the open end , it looks like a band. My tips are made to go on the end of a thick "Braided style" leather cord and that is why they are wide at the opening, and adding the ball on the end I'd say is a pretty good candidate for a good bolo tip.

 

[screwynewy]

View attachment 1120679View attachment 1120678View attachment 1120678Looks like one tip off a bolo tie, I have a bolo tie that has the big brass ends like the one pictured here

So far this this appears to be the closest match in shape and size to the item I dug. It could have been silver plated over copper and just flaked off over the years. Question, how long have bolo ties been around? All of my finds from this site have fit between the late 1700's to late 1800's.

 

[ARC]

and I quote "Dentist and metallurgist, Dr. William E. Mangelsdorf, of Kingman, Arizona, claims to have invented the bolo tie in the late 1940s"
AND also "It is also said that the bolo tie is a North American pioneer creation that dates back to between 1866 and 1886"

 

[gunsil]

I agree with JRH, it is way too large in diameter to be a bolo tip.

 

[albertapicker]

End of a swagger stick or pointer?