silver whatsit

[hessian raider]

I found this at a local site, dating to the mid 19th century according to maps and dated relics found there. The owner was from one of the first families to settle this area, so the site is probably much older- I just can't find any information to support that theory. This item is very malleable; I can easily bend it by hand. I didn't have to clean it at all, I just wiped the dirt off. I can see mold lines on it. The flared end has very coarse threading inside of it. There are no markings on it. I have a few ideas as to what it is, I'm curious to hear what the experts have to say.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Minelab PRO-FIND 35 Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector for Experts with Tone ID & Adjustable Sensitivity - Grab it through Amazon!

[eggbag]

Candle snuffer , maybe? oops reread your post and saw the part on the internal threading now i have no idea. The only other relics I've found with conical threading are those guards to go on oxen horn tips.

 

[Montana Jim]

Maybe you can tell us how long it is... and/or show pics of the threaded area?

 

[Alchemy]

lol...Jim, ya beat me to it!

It would help alot if we had pics of the ends and the other side of the right end

 

[willie d]

Curtain rod end

 

[hessian raider]

First off, thanks Jim for resizing the pic. I have yet to find a middle ground between thumbnail size and billboard size. The length is 4 1/2 inches. I would take more pics, but the batteries in the camera are dead. I had to take a lot of them just to get the one good pic. I'm not sure of your assessment though. I'm pretty sure this is made of silver, and it weighs a few ounces. Two per window, times the number of windows- that's a lot of silver! This family wasn't wealthy, so I can't see them spending that much on something like curtain rod ends. Just my opinion, and I do appreciate your input. H.R.

 

[Montana Jim]

Generally, I think, the only silver that any household would commonly have is tableware and grooming pieces... like a mirror, brush, etc... The Victorians had oppulant and varied tableware for every occasion under the sun, and for every conceivable use. Just thinking out loud... good luck on an I.D.

BTW - I use Microsoft Picture Editor to adjust the size of my pictures. Assuming you have a windows based computer it's easy to use and came free with your system.

 

[72cheyenne]

I'm thinking along the lines of a handle to a serving set.

 

[Ramitt]

First off, thanks Jim for resizing the pic. I have yet to find a middle ground between thumbnail size and billboard size.

Somewhere in the 640x480 to 800x600 resolution should work for most people. Cropping to show only the item will help maximise its size in relation to the picture ( which you did). Also include a ruler or common object to help others determine the size of the whatsit

 

[One mans trash...]

It's not unlike a wax seal handle.

I see references to old seals that are threaded into the handle.

 

[72cheyenne]

It's not unlike a wax seal handle.

I see references to old seals that are threaded into the handle.

Good one OMT,

 

[mrs.oroblanco]

Interesting - the old wax seal handle idea.

Which part is the seal? Would you screw the seal end into the handle? (maybe making you be able to use the handle for several different seals?)

Thanks.

B

 

[One mans trash...]

Yeah. I think that's the idea. The seal is a flat plate with a threaded stud that screws into the handle. I found a site with some old railroad wax seals that screwed into a handle. I guess a silver handle is something you sell for itself, not just as a necessary when you deliver a new seal. The shape of the handle seemed to make sense. Seems like you would habitually pick up such a handle by the spread at the top and kind of have your hand cocked over to drop it onto the wax. At any rate, if that's not what it is, I can't imagine. Not big enough to be a useful handle for much else.

 

[mrs.oroblanco]

Cool!

 

[hessian raider]

I never would have thought of that. thank you O.M.T., I think you nailed it.