🔎 UNIDENTIFIED Possible colonial inkwell?

[Fishnut]

I recovered this today from a 1700’s cellar hole that has given up Rev War era items including a USA button. I have not dug anything like this in the past and could use your help. It is copper and fancy on all sides. I am thinking it could be an inkwell. What say ye?

 

[DizzyDigger]

Could be, but I'd think an ink well would have a wider base to it.

 

[invent4hir]

Very interesting artifact. Wonder if its a knob or finial? There may be a hole near the collar for a set screw & places where a thumb & finger can grab onto it. Did a Google image search but nothing came close.

 

[Fishnut]

Very interesting artifact. Wonder if it’s a knob or finial? There may be a hole near the collar for a set screw & places where a thumb & finger can grab onto it. Did a Google image search but nothing came close.

Good eye! After further cleaning I do see a couple holes. That throws my inkwell guess out the window.

 

[invent4hir]

Good eye! After further cleaning I do see a couple holes. That throws my inkwell guess out the window.

Post some after cleaning pics - as another TNetter might be able to approximate the age based on the detailed designs. Speaking of which, they aren't very deep and if it were used as a knob I'd think they'd be worn away from repeated use, given its copper/brass. So leaning more towards a finial.

 

[Red-Coat]

I've never seen an inkwell with a potentially unstable shape like that, and I don't think I've ever seen one with decoration on the bottom where it wouldn't be seen.

I'm leaning towards something decorative too... perhaps the finial from the end of a wooden curtain pole?

 

[Gare]

Could they make something like this in Colonial times ?