KNIFE? REAMER? BAYONET?

[tcornel]

I worked on a new 1800's permission today and found this next to a tree. It was only under about an inch of soil and kind of propped up against the tree.

I am really perplexed as to what it is. At first I thought a 3 blade knife but when I read Miller Quality on the base I was thinking more of a reaming tool of some sort.

Then I see Miller produced weapons.

Anyways it is about 8" to the top of the curve and would be about 10" if straight. It is 13/16 at the base and the bottom section is about 7/8.

It is not magnetic.

Any help will be appreciated.

OH YEAH........The walking half, lead soldier and 1845 large cent came from the same site in a 3 hour hunt!

 

[ARC]

Lightning rod.

 

[ARC]

 

[kcm]

If it were magnetic, I would've guessed it was from an ornamental fence. But I think AARC nailed it.

 

[tcornel]

Thanks. By its looks it was well used.

 

[tony curnick]

That looks like a reamer ,the four sides are designed to stop it from taking to much of a bite as you turn it and the shank has a drive slot shaped into it.Would have made a great weapon though!

 

[kcm]

I agree it looks like many reamers - but offhand I don't know of any reamers made from brass, copper, bronze, or aluminum. Possibly stainless, but there are MUCH better choices for tool steels than stainless.