My best guess was......:shrug:....

[knarfj]

I retrieved this item in a area that was active from around 1860 through 1920. My first thoughts were that it was a trigger off some type of a gun. But as there is no hole for a pivot point that idea seems rather remote. Any ideas?
Not knowing is driving........

 

[flinthunter]

Looks like a thumb release for a door latch.

 

[PowerDetecting]

yeah it looks like a release latch of some sort..

 

[knarfj]

You guys are good!

I Googled *early door latch* and eventually found images of what is called the *Gilbert patent* lock. The latch lever on it looks very similar to what's in my post. If interested the link below has a few more images.


http://robinsonsantiques.com/door-knobs/gilknob-5-8.htm#gilknob7

 

[knarfj]

A little more research has made me aware of another maker of early door latches named *Blake*. After comparing images of both makers I feel the item in question was more likely manufactured by *Blake*. The reason being is the item presented has no hole or side pins available for a pivot point. This difference matches the overall look and configuration of the latch manufactured by *Blake* more closely.

Thanks for your interest and HH

Items 6 and 7 in the following link are another good comparison.

http://www.eddonaldson.com/tlatch8.htm