Is this a tack hammer?

[BladeRunner2019]

Title Edited: Age of dagger hand guard?

I had originally asked if this item was a tack hammer, but some suggested it may be a dagger hand guard which seems likely. As for the material I can only guess it is brass. It's not magnetic and rings up at 79/80 on my AT Pro if that is any indication of the material. I could not find any markings at all. Thanks.

 

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[NJ Marty]

I would say yes. Is there a stamp on it? Clean it on a wire wheel and one should show up.

 

[Jublain]

Almost looks like part of a dagger or something. That would be a thin handle for a hammer.

 

[tamrock]

Can you tell if it's brass, steel or ? I like Jublain's thought. At first I did think hammer till he mentioned his idea. Maybe a quillon dagger.

 

[tamrock]

I would say yes. Is there a stamp on it? Clean it on a wire wheel and one should show up.

I'm not so sure a wire brush is the best option to remove any patina from this object at this time. This could be a unique artifact and maybe best to clean it with a more delicate measure. If I had it. I wouldn't touch it just yet. I'd wait for some further advice from some others as to what it may be and how best to handle it. If it was a hammer, I'd ask myself way it looks to have never been used as a hammer? I don't see any beat marks on it. Just MO

 

[HuntinDog]

I would have to agree that this is not a hammer, but more likely a knife/sword hilt.
the "handle" slot is not tapered as it would be on a hammer and the larger slot on one side would indicate a recess for a blade.

 

[BladeRunner2019]

Thanks for the info. I agree that it would have to be a thin handle to fit into that slot. At the time I just couldn't think of what else it may be. I rinsed it off with water and wiped it with a rag. I didn't notice any markings on it but I'll check closer.

As for the material, I'm not sure. I do know it's not magnetic. (Maybe brass?) I'll check it when I get home with the AT Pro to see what it reads as. (I don't remember what it read when I dug it. )

 

[littleneckhalfshell]

I agree, it is likely a dagger guard, hole for the tang looks too small for a sword. Most of the tack hammers I have seen are iron with one end magnetized so as to hold the iron tack. Picture if you will, a bunch of tacks in the upholster's mouth, bring the tack hammer up to his lips, catch a tack on the end of the hammer and drive it where you wish it to go.