🔎 UNIDENTIFIED Skeleton key w/o a bow?

[invent4hir]

What I first thought was part of a skeleton key was dug near the front porch of a home dating to the 1840s. However after cleaning it I noticed there was a hole in the one end with threads inside and a flat spot (at 12 o’clock in third picture). Was unable to find a photo of a skeleton key w/o a bow – so decided to post. Any help with ID and age would be appreciated.

 

[Tpmetal]

I feel like i know this but just can't place it .... i would agree probably not a key for a lock....

 

[invent4hir]

I feel like i know this but just can't place it .... i would agree probably not a key for a lock....

Another thing I thought of it some kind of handle. The flat area would prevent it from turning when tightening down w/ a screw. However, if it is a handle, don't know for what...

 

[kac]

Could be a winding key for a clock.

 

[dognose]

I agree it looks like a clock key for winding the clock

 

[dozer dan]

with the flat area at the threaded hole end I’m thinking this is mor likely a switch or dial of some sort. If it’s brass I’d say it’s water or gas valve related.

 

[invent4hir]

Could be a winding key for a clock.

Kac, thanks I did consider that. But its time to re-consider that possibility.

 

[invent4hir]

I agree it looks like a clock key for winding the clock

dognose, thanks - will look at some more clock keys. BTW your icon is one fine arrowhead!

 

[invent4hir]

with the flat area at the threaded hole end I’m thinking this is mor likely a switch or dial of some sort. If it’s brass I’d say it’s water or gas valve related.

dozer dan, thanks. Yes it is brass so will add switch/dial to the list of possibilities.

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

Being brass makes me think of gas, brass doesn't spark so maybe something related to the gas lighting in the house maybe a key type device for turning up or down the gas for the lights? Don't know just throwing this out as another avenue to research.

 

[invent4hir]

Being brass makes me think of gas, brass doesn't spark so maybe something related to the gas lighting in the house maybe a key type device for turning up or down the gas for the lights? Don't know just throwing this out as another avenue to research.

Back, thanks. I agree w/ your logic. Over the weekend I Googled similar ideas - but found no match yet. In spite of this - I still think it is along this line.