✅ SOLVED River find

flyadive · Mar 10, 2016

I found this a few years ago, I have a good guess as to what it may be .... But I'm usually wrong! Lol

ImageUploadedByTreasureNet.com1457657908.648902.webp

ImageUploadedByTreasureNet.com1457657931.983408.webp

The Handle appears to be made of lead with a plated copper finish. The pointy end is steel.
What do you guys think?

Back-of-the-boat · Mar 10, 2016

Knife sharpener.

Icewing · Mar 10, 2016

Ice pick

flyadive · Mar 10, 2016

Could the metal part be the "Skeleton "?
The handle could also be copper? Didn't try to scrape it yet. Hmmmmm knife sharpener?? I've pick

Could be?

ironhorse · Mar 10, 2016

Back-of-the-boat said:
Knife sharpener.

It does look like a honing steel

Part of a handle of a fireplace poker comes to mind as well

nhbenz · Mar 10, 2016

Garden hose guide?

Breezie · Mar 10, 2016

I agree with Benz; it looks like a garden hose guide. So what do you think it is?

Breezie

flyadive · Mar 11, 2016

I was thinking ice pick. But all of your suggestions sound good too.
Back in the day , people use to get ice from the river.

d2 · Mar 11, 2016

I'm going with a re-purposed fire poker...d2

flyadive · Oct 21, 2025

A friend identified this as an artillery prick!
We also just visited the Revolutionary war museum in Philadelphia.
Did you know there is not one on display?!

An "artillery prick" (or more accurately,
vent prick or priming wire) is a tool used by artillerymen to puncture the powder charge of a cannon's cartridge so it can be ignited through the gun's vent. This tool ensures that the priming powder is exposed and the main charge can be fired, and it is also used to clear the vent of debris.

Mud Hut · Oct 21, 2025

It looks like the remains of a fireplace/stove poker to me.

Retired Sarge · Oct 21, 2025

flyadive said:
A friend identified this as an artillery prick!
We also just visited the Revolutionary war museum in Philadelphia.
Did you know there is not one on display?!

An "artillery prick" (or more accurately,
vent prick or priming wire) is a tool used by artillerymen to puncture the powder charge of a cannon's cartridge so it can be ignited through the gun's vent. This tool ensures that the priming powder is exposed and the main charge can be fired, and it is also used to clear the vent of debris.

All the artillery pricks I've seen have either had a ring at the hand end, or a basic/generic wooden handle. Never seen any that had an ornate handle. Remember good ole Uncle Sam and his predecessors have been skimpy on the pruse strings. Why make something that is prone to loss, breakage, damage etc fancy, when plain does the same thing for less cost....!