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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

Mystery brass knob


Captain Dave

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Obtained at an auction. It is 10 cm wide and has been struck with the numbers 577 in two places. Again it looks lile WW1.

No one here has a clue as to what it is, so if anyone else knows, that would be pretty good.

Cheers.

post-23-1094876878.jpg

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Dave.

What impression would it make by pressing downwards (ie towards battery) into soft clay for instance?

It is vaguely similar to old style railway "carriage keys" by which a H or similar recess in one engages an opposite shape in the other.

If the rounded bottom is completely smooth, it may have fitted into holes set into the top of 'interchangeable' stamps eg rubber admin stamps. That might explain the absence of gunk around the bottom. Ie that part is polished by wear, but the trunk under the handle is not.

The worn (polished) parts on the handle might suggest that twisting was involved, making the key more likely.

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The base has a countersunk hole approx 1.5 cm deep. There is no method of latching onto anything else.

The stamp handle theory seems most likely. Especialy if there is a wooden male end it can be pushed onto.

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Can it be the grip of a "push dagger" trench knife???

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Its a valve key similar to the modern Castell key in that the valve can only be turned by use of that key. ie the marrying part is recessed and shaped to accept this key. Possibly for gas valves or similar.

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Hi all

not a definitive answer just stirring things a bit! :P

.577 was a calibre of heavy percussion rifle as well? I think Schneider and Sharps made .577 calibre weapons. Could it have a shooting link?

Good luck in your identification quest.

Paul.

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hahaha :wub: i would say its the turner from the tapp for...... the beertap.

wishfull thinking i guess

coo-ee

patrick

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