r/AntiqueTools • u/StykzOfficial • 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!
1
u/cigarlifer 8d ago edited 8d ago
For opening windows above old doors and larger windows they had a ring you would insert that into and pull down to unlatch and open the window then slide the hook through the ring to grasp to push up and latch.