Not a clue....

[Swing4Bling]

Found this today. First time detecting at some property that dates back to the late 1800s. I think there was an old building where I found it due to the amount of square nails I pulled. This was in the same hole as a rusted out bucket about 10" down...

[007tallguy]

that one's got me stumped.

[Longhair]

I wonder if that is an early bottle stopper with a dauber built in.

[Swing4Bling]

The bottom part, at the end of the twisted part, resembled a pine cone when I was cleaning it.

[Dubay420]

the bottom part of it looks like a honey dipper...

[tularetokens]

Perfume lid dauber thingy, Don't know what they are called

[MetalMiner]

I was gonna say maybe a weight for a cookoo clock,but it looks kind of small for that. My CooKoo clock has weights that are shaped like Pine cones.

[Mozhoven]

Definitely a stopper of some kind. The dangly-end will keep the stopper from loosing its bottle (or the other way around).

Can't wait to see it cleaned up. Be careful with the chain though, it'll most likely crumble.

[Swing4Bling]

I'll post some better pics after I clean it up better. Metalminer, I was kind of thinking a clock weight too.

I'm not really sure how to clean it... maybe hot peroxide? I used dish soap and a soft tooth brush so far.

[taz42o]

Does it look like the wire and pine cone could have swung free at one time?
If so i would say its part of a glass bell similar to this one.

[Swing4Bling]

The "chain" is actually twisted wire. The odd thing is that it isn't rusted. I don't think the ornament on top or at the end is metal. I am dying to clean it up but I'm stuck at work for the next 10 hours.


Edit: after looking at your picture better, I see what you are asking. I don't think it ever swung. Looked solid.

[CapNRon]

I think it was the pin from "Thy Holy Hand Grenade".

[rseasy1]

Kinda looks like a stopper for old oil lamp the hangy thing would be the fuel gauge.Kinda like a dip stick for checking the oil level with.

[East TX Joe]

Kinda looks like an antique bell with a monkey like shape on handle and bell housing missing. Or could be an old chime. Neat find though. Thanks for sharing.

Joe

[sonnydigs]

The top part looks like a decorative top for a wrought iron fence post.. the bottom portion is a mystery..
Also wondered about a lighting rod..
Sonnydigs

[Dubay420]

I think i have been staring at this too long....I am starting to see Fraggle Rock characters.