Is this off a carriage arm or flag pole?

bbheigle0605 · Mar 22, 2015

I found this in a 1800's area. Can't figure this out. I found where there are similar photos on here and there was a debate on which one it was. Thanks!

ImageUploadedByTreasureNet.com1427048884.728564.webp

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ImageUploadedByTreasureNet.com1427048919.224209.webp

BosnMate · Mar 22, 2015

Looks like it could be from a flag pole, but I wouldn't totally rule out the end of a whiffletree. I lean more toward the flag pole, because single trees and whiffletrees tend to have hooks on the ends, although from my misspent youth, I faintly recollect seeing a whiffletree with ends like you are showing. Here is a picture of a fancy whiffletree, but it has the hooks on the ends. I believe the whiffletree I'm thinking about, the leather harness tugs were slit on the end, and slipped over the tree, kind of like a button on a shirt.

On the other hand, here is a military style flag pole. This style top finial has been around at least from the Civil War, and is still used today. Your find might have been on the bottom of the pole where this picture has a more pointed one.

Or, it could have been an "acorn finial" on the top of a civilian flag pole.

And all that has simply been a scientific wild guess, but might get you started on the right track anyhow.

bbheigle0605 · Mar 23, 2015

BosnMate said:
Looks like it could be from a flag pole, but I wouldn't totally rule out the end of a whiffletree. I lean more toward the flag pole, because single trees and whiffletrees tend to have hooks on the ends, although from my misspent youth, I faintly recollect seeing a whiffletree with ends like you are showing. Here is a picture of a fancy whiffletree, but it has the hooks on the ends. I believe the whiffletree I'm thinking about, the leather harness tugs were slit on the end, and slipped over the tree, kind of like a button on a shirt.
View attachment 1134913
On the other hand, here is a military style flag pole. This style top finial has been around at least from the Civil War, and is still used today. Your find might have been on the bottom of the pole where this picture has a more pointed one.
View attachment 1134914
Or, it could have been an "acorn finial" on the top of a civilian flag pole.
View attachment 1134916
And all that has simply been a scientific wild guess, but might get you started on the right track anyhow.