Locking Mechanism Dug at a Civil War Site

[bonepicker]

My buddy found this object at a Civil War Site today and asked me to try and post for an ID.
Other finds from the site today. http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/t...-broke-my-record-today-mississippi-woods.html
We were thinking maybe some sort of bayonet lug, until we tried to insert a 3-ringer through the hole.
The 3-ringer Minnie was a little too big to pass through the hole.
There is a little lever on the side that looks to slide and lock the mechanism into place,
Any help with id would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

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[mcb66]

I've seen old magnifiers made like this. This one is missing the lenses.

 

[bonepicker]

I've seen old magnifiers made like this. This one is missing the lenses.

Thanks for responding mcb. It does kind of look like a loupe, but it would be a really small one as the hole is slightly smaller than a 58 cal. Minnie.
I wish my buddy had sent me a photo with another object for scale purposes.
Hopefully others will chime in and give their opinion.
Thanks again.

 

[sutphin]

MAYBE SOMETHING TO A INSTRUMENT .

 

[vhs07]

Looks like a ratchet pawl.

 

[deepsecrets]

Part of a wheel combination lock - metal looks to be more modern - think this is part of a bicycle lock - missing some of the other wheels. Photo attached is not what I think it is, but similar idea.

 

[wildpig]

I have seen something similar on tent poles.. They attach to a bigger pole, and it locks a smaller pole in place. To allow for adjusting the pole to different heights.