✅ SOLVED Mechanical whats-it

[ModernMiner]

Dug at an 1870's house this week.
I believe its copper? It has been bent in places.
Could it be part of an old sewing machine perhaps?
Any idea?
Thanks again,
MM

 

[tamrock]

Antique Can opening combination pickle fork device . No patents No's or any other writing information on it I assume. Whatever it is, it's a good what-is-it.

 

[Robot]

Hi ModernMiner,

Could it be?

Unique eastlake style c. 1870's cast bronze "criss-cross" pattern t-handle bell operator with backplate. this metal lever would be mounted on the outside of a door and works with antique doorbell mechanisms, in which a small bell installed inside the house is activated by a visitor pulling a lever, chain, or string to ring the bell. the cast metal backplate has a small piece cut from the corner and the copper plating and black enameled inlay is worn. the minimal design features simple geometric and floral patterning in relief. this type of lever operated bell predates the similar twist doorbell, where a handle is turned like a key to produce a rapid trill as a tiny hammer or clapper strikes the bell. these relatively crude doorbells were sometimes very ornate, and were often used in retail and small shops as well as residential settings. the t-handle door bell lever was designed and fabricated by the p. & f. corbin company, new britain, ct.

 

[ModernMiner]

Hi ModernMiner,

Could it be?

Unique eastlake style c. 1870's cast bronze "criss-cross" pattern t-handle bell operator with backplate. this metal lever would be mounted on the outside of a door and works with antique doorbell mechanisms, in which a small bell installed inside the house is activated by a visitor pulling a lever, chain, or string to ring the bell. the cast metal backplate has a small piece cut from the corner and the copper plating and black enameled inlay is worn. the minimal design features simple geometric and floral patterning in relief. this type of lever operated bell predates the similar twist doorbell, where a handle is turned like a key to produce a rapid trill as a tiny hammer or clapper strikes the bell. these relatively crude doorbells were sometimes very ornate, and were often used in retail and small shops as well as residential settings. the t-handle door bell lever was designed and fabricated by the p. & f. corbin company, new britain, ct.

View attachment 2130175

Thanks for the guess but it’s made from thin metal.
MM

 

[ModernMiner]

Antique Can opening combination pickle fork device . No patents No's or any other writing information on it I assume. Whatever it is, it's a good what-is-it.

Unfortunately no writing or info on it.
It has those two screws on the back. I’m wondering if it is some sort of electronic piece?

 

[robertk]

It looks like a piece off a machine to me. The part under the "fork" looks like an indicator needle for whatever it was controlling.

 

[ModernMiner]

It looks like a piece off a machine to me. The part under the "fork" looks like an indicator needle for whatever it was controlling.

Maybe a gauge or temperature device?
Thanks,
MM

 

[jewelerguy]

it's part of a button hole attachment for a sewing machine

 

[pepperj]

Personally I wouldn't trust any recovery that had a forked tongue.

 

[ModernMiner]

Personally I wouldn't trust any recovery that had a forked tongue.

Lmao. So true. 👍

 

[pepperj]

Lmao. So true. 👍

Does the fork move at all?

 

[ModernMiner]

it's part of a button hole attachment for a sewing machine

You da Man!!!! Thanks so much for the ID. I will mark this solved. 👍
MM

 

[ModernMiner]

Does the fork move at all?

I didn’t try to move it since it was stuck.

 

[Nathan W]

That's interesting