Wooden keg tap...but how old?

[DownNDirty]

I found this tap yesterday at a site that has produced a lot of mid-18th to early-19th century relics. I posted pictures in the What is it? forum and several people id'd it as a tap for a wooden keg (thanks for the input guys). What I'd like to know is the approximate age of the tap. I believe it is period to the site; it was 7 or 8 inches deep and has a heavy green patina. Thoughts? Also, I'd like advice on the best way to clean it without losing the patina.

Thanks
DnD

 

[Loco-Digger]

No way that I know of, nice find though,

 

[DownNDirty]

I found this thread from while back; the taps discussed look similar:
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/t...lonial-barrel-spigot-dug-today-mebane-nc.html

Bill D if you read this, what is your opinion on this piece?

 

[romeo-1]

I've always considered them 18th century. One of the more underrated relics found...nice job!