I found this in a Civil War campsite.

[Kevin B.]

I placed a Harmonica reed next too it for help in determining it's size. When I first dug it, I though it was a rusty wratchet wrench, but after electrolysis, I saw the sharpened point and my thinking has changed. Besides, they wouldn't have had a wratchet wrench in a CW camp. I think those came along later! Can someone help me out and ID this oddity???

 

[nick1curtis]

ive found one of those before on a campsite also. i just thought it was old logging tools

 

[Aarong81]

The wagons they used could steer, and the link connecting the front wheels together were a primitive tie-rod with metal ends now called ball joints. Their links in place of ball joints must have been an L shaped bit of metal with either a pin or ring, this side obviously having the pin. The long pointed end would fit inside a drilled out tie-rod made of heavy wood and clamped to keep the L shaped tie-rod from slipping out.

Thats only a guess, and even 200 years I would think they could have incorporated bolts instead of a tapered shaft but I don't really know. Its possible this design allowed easier 'in field' repairs without using bolts. Still doubtful because it required a drilled out tie-rod to fit into, requiring more work than a couple bolts.

 

[Jim West Pa]

n/t

 

[dave5710]

I agree with Jim West Pa, On the farm, when I was a kid, we used very similar ones. Ours had course threads (like a lag screw) and would bore into a wood post. 2 or 3 per post. Then hang the gate on the little upright portion and it would swing freely.

 

[ACEinOZ]

It's called a "pintle".......

 

[Aarong81]

Looks like ACE nailed this one.

 

[ACEinOZ]

Looks like ACE nailed this one.

I think it was already IDed....I just put a name to it.

http://ruralblacksmith.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/traditional-barn-and-gate-hinges-at.html

 

[Kevin B.]

You guys are the best of the best!! Thanks. Hey, it might not be worth anything to anyone else, but since I know what it is now, I am durn proud to have found one. Now I can tell folk..."Hey look at this pintle.......its part of an old old gate!" I truly appreciate it guys. I will make a herculean effort to stop by this site more often and help someone else ID something. Surely there is something that I can ID!! Love and Peace to yall!!