✅ SOLVED What did I find today .., a pipe tamper? A seal handle?? Other???

[creskol]

It is:

2.25 inches long
.68 inches across the base
Solid brass

 

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[kingskid1611]

Looks like a pill crusher to turn pills into powder. But that would be older than that practice I would think.

 

[creskol]

Looks like a pill crusher to turn pills into powder. But that would be older than that practice I would think.

Thanks Kingskid. It is solid brass.

 

[kingskid1611]

I can't find a pestle like it so that may not be what it is. It is really cool. Does it have detail around it under the rust

 

[creskol]

I can't find a pestle like it so that may not be what it is. It is really cool. Does it have detail around it under the rust

Here is a photo now that I have cleaned it up a bit:

 

[danloop]

Looks like the original clapper. Bell clapper that is.

 

[RW]

Even if it is a pill crusher, would make a nice tamper.

 

[Kray Gelder]

Either an old toilet tank or lamp chain pull.

 

[creskol]

Here are some various pipe tampers I found on the net and compiled for comparison purposes.
I put the item I found in the lower right corner. Are there enough similarities between them to safely conclude that mine is a pipe tamper. too?

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

A pipe tamper would make sense because of the loop on top, but my first thought was a an 18thc wax letter seal.
Here are a few examples I found online.

Nice find,
Dave

 

[RW]

I used to collect/restore pipes. Even took part in a pipe forum tamper build/exchange. That said, I am FAR from expert but don't recollect ever seeing a tamper quite like that. Searching for a vintage/antique brass cistern pull get's pretty close results but no exact match so far.

 

[creskol]

I used to collect/restore pipes. Even took part in a pipe forum tamper build/exchange. That said, I am FAR from expert but don't recollect ever seeing a tamper quite like that. Searching for a vintage/antique brass cistern pull get's pretty close results but no exact match so far.

In my researching for answers, I have concluded that there are more variations in pipe tampers than there are in snowflakes, which makes it difficult. I will have to check the cistern pull theory, as that is something I am not familiar with. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[creskol]

A pipe tamper would make sense because of the loop on top, but my first thought was a an 18thc wax letter seal.
Here are a few examples I found online.

Nice find,
Dave

Thanks Dave!