Small Hook -- Any Ideas???

[Harley-Dog]

I found this small hook at an old home site (house now gone). I have no idea how old the house may have been, but I also have pictured a dog license tag dated 1921 that was found nearby (within 25 ft.).

The hook looks like it could be made out of silver -- absolutely no corrosion on it, so I doubt that there is any ferrous metal content. The fact that it has a swivel on top intrigues me -- why would a hook need to be spun in different positions? Also, the small ball on the end may have been designed to minimize scratching / damaging whatever was to be hung on it.

All theories are welcome!

- Harley-Dog

 

[hoser]

At first i thought it might be one of those snap hooks like you put a ring of keys on. But after seeing it I don't have a clue. Very nice finds. Good going.

 

[Harley-Dog]

Same photo, but different perspective.  What if the hook part was hooked over a dowel rod or something similar so that the swivel was at the bottom?  I wonder this because of the suspected wear that can be seen at the bottom of the loop below the swivel.  Imagine something hanging loosely from the loop (perhaps swinging back and forth from time to time due to some sort of movement), thus creating the wear over a long period of time.

Again, just thinking out loud.

- Harley-Dog

 

[WThesing]

Could have been used for a variety of things. Looks like a hook to hang a lamp or other type of light, or possibly a hanging plant. Wear may indicate that it was used outdoors where breeze activity kept it in motion sucha as on a front porch.

 

[del]

seeing its silver or silver plated i was thinking the part of a pocket watch chain that hooks behind a button or a belt

 

[Harley-Dog]

Thanks Del --

Your suggestion that it might be part of a watch chain got me checking on the Internet...first at watch chains, then chains and necklaces in general, and finally at hook clasps that are used on certain chains and other forms of jewelry.

Although I have not found an exact copy of what I found, I found a couple that lead me to believe that my find is indeed a silver hook clasp...I just don't know for what.

I've attached a couple of photos of what I found on the Internet that have similar features, although neither of these swivel.

- Harley-Dog