✅ SOLVED What is this odd nail or screw?

[Lenrac2]

We found this out on a farm dating back to the mid 1800's. It is exactly one inch long. The bottom is threaded like a screw. The top is smooth and supported on the screw part with 4 posts. Like you would have to insert something through the holes to screw it down but wouldn't be flush. Seems to be brass. Google lens did not help. Not a caterpillar. 🙃

As an edit, hubby thinks it could be a flintlock jaw clamp screw? Thoughts? It could work for that but I could find no matches.

 

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[Sandog]

I can picture a line of this being screwed in by putting a rod or lever through the openings, and then holding a decorative wire or cable, etc. That would leave the smooth button head standing proud of a surface. But then I have a vivid imagination. Neat piece of hardware.

 

[Robot]

Hi Lenrac2,
I can only find it as a Grub Screw with a very strange top?

 

[Lenrac2]

I can picture a line of this being screwed in by putting a rod or lever through the openings, and then holding a decorative wire or cable, etc. That would leave the smooth button head standing proud of a surface. But then I have a vivid imagination. Neat piece of hardware.

I really like that idea! They did do stuff like that back in the day!

 

[Lenrac2]

Hi Lenrac2,
I can only find it as a Grub Screw with a very strange top?


View attachment 2132213

Thanks for the input! I don't think that is it though. This one is regular screw size and not hollow except between the posts.

 

[creskol]

It doesn't look threaded to me, but rather ribbed and meant to be driven in with a hammer. That would explain the head on it, too.

 

[Blackfoot58]

I believe it may be an insert for a wooden table leg, to give it a little style and to keep the wood from being directly on the floor. It could also help level said table.

 

[Lenrac2]

It doesn't look threaded to me, but rather ribbed and meant to be driven in with a hammer. That would explain the head on it, too.

You're absolutely right, I should have said ribbed instead of threaded. I would think the 4 little posts would break if hammered. And the nail head is slightly domed? There would be no reason for the posts if meant to be hammered I would think.

 

[Lenrac2]

I believe it may be an insert for a wooden table leg, to give it a little style and to keep the wood from being directly on the floor. It could also help level said table.

That is a great idea too! Do you think those little posts would bear the weight?

 

[Lenrac2]

I can picture a line of this being screwed in by putting a rod or lever through the openings, and then holding a decorative wire or cable, etc. That would leave the smooth button head standing proud of a surface. But then I have a vivid imagination. Neat piece of hardware.

I think your idea is the best option so I am going to mark it solved. Thanks for your help!!

 

[ARC]

Grounding bolt.

 

[ticndig]

It's a fastener off of a knob and tube electrical system. a hole was drilled in the wood and the knob insulator Fastener was tapped in. the open Cage area would expand and hold the ceramic insulator in place.

 

[ModernMiner]

Great job on that ID.
MM

 

[ARC]

Grounding bolt.

Actually after some consideration and a few searches i cannot back up my statement of being used as a ground.
Perhaps just wire crossing point bolt or similar.

 

[creskol]

It's a fastener off of a knob and tube electrical system. a hole was drilled in the wood and the knob insulator Fastener was tapped in. the open Cage area would expand and hold the ceramic insulator in place.

That's interesting .. I have pulled a bunch of those off over the years but never encountered a fastener like that.