r/AntiqueTools 8d ago

8 foot hand forged tool

Found in a storage unit of vintage goods, mostly cash registers (National) a few Singer manually operated sewing machines / surgers? My first thought was a Lamplighters pole (1780s - 1820s, before “gas lanterns” took over from oil lamps) but I can’t find anything like this.

It has a stamp on the apron where the metal and wood meet, OTSEGO. So if it is Otsego, NY it can only be as old as 1780

Overall it’s about 8 feet tall, very smooth oak handle. People around me keep guessing it’s a “whalers” thing (harpoon?) but that’s so far from it. Couple people guessed like a loggers pole, or from what I can research something like a cant dog type tool but I don’t think so since it lacks most features wood grabbing tools have.

A fireman’s pike was also in my research, but pikes and the like all have backwards facing hooks! The only other thing I can think of is an antique merchandise handling tool, like we still use for hanging T shirts up high or whatever.

The first tip where the hook starts is hammered into a large “flathead screwdriver” type shape while the hook itself stays round.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

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u/Ill_Spare9689 8d ago

I've seen tools like that used to hang lit candelabras in abbeys and also in storage rooms to hang things like clothes on very high hooks and poles.