Any Idea What This Is?

[Defender]

A number of years ago (probably 25), I got a metal detector in a Marietta GA pawn shop (according to the label, it was one used for security at in Atlanta public school system— not sure how it ended up in a pawn shop). I put it on a pole and swept areas of the woods behind my house in Woodstock GA.

To my surprise, I came up with the item in the attached photos. I believe this to be a civil war flag pole finial (topper) because on a business trip up to Virginia, I saw a display of civil ware battlefield artifact's in the lobby of the hotel in which I was staying, and there was a degraded piece that looked like my find. It was (perhaps incorrectly) identified as part of a flag pole finial, but since then some have suggested that information is incorrect. Some think it was the end of a pole to open transoms over doors or a curtain rod end from Scarlett O'Hara's Atlanta curtain. While it could certainly be used for that, the jury is still out on this piece.

The item is cast iron and has a tapered bell that clearly goes over a pole or shaft. There is a single hole in the side that appears to be for a set screw or nail to hold the item on the end of the pole.

I was wondering if anyone might recognize this piece? If so, is it associated wth the war between the states? is it Southern or Northern? and am I correct that think that this is a flag pole finial? There was, of course, a lot of activity in the Atlanta (Woodstock) area during the war between the states.

I'd appreciate any information, or a contact who might be able to answer these questions.

 

[Patrick H]

That's a nice looking artifact! I can't confirm what it is, but your hunch sounds feasible to me. I'm sure someone will be along who can identify your object. Welcome from Missouri.

 

[Bruce Vail]

It looks to me a lot like the hook on the end of a pole used to open old fashioned windows, such as a transom above a door, or in the large windows commonly seen in public buildings like schools. When I grew up in the 1960s-1970s, the upper windows in the church gymnasium were opened and closed using a long pole with a similar hook at the end.

 

[major bill]

Well we need more information before we decide this might be a flag pole finial.

 

[Patrick H]

It looks to me a lot like the hook on the end of a pole used to open old fashioned windows, such as a transom above a door, or in the large windows commonly seen in public buildings like schools. When I grew up in the 1960s-1970s, the upper windows in the church gymnasium were opened and closed using a long pole with a similar hook at the end.

I think Bruce has it figured out!

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

You found an interesting object.

Welcome to the forums.

 

[alan polk]

I think Bruce has it figured out!

+1