New to the forum and hoping to identify a sterling handle

Hi all. My name is Eric. I started collecting old coins and relics by means of a metal detector about a year ago. Last weekend I found this sterling handle under a large root of a very old tree. The home where I was detecting was built in the 1700s.

There's a penny in pic 1 for size reference but I can take measurements if needed.

I'm hoping to get a definite ID of what it is and possibly an age range. Many thanks and I look forward to participating in some future discussions.

 

I just realized this isn't the best thread for this. Am I able to move it?

 

Your post is fine here. People will want you to post your images full size rather than thumbnails. You can edit your post to do that.

From it's appearance, I would guess it only has scrap value.

Look it over carefully for any hallmarks - tiny stamped figures, letters, or numbers. Those are what tell the tale, and those are what people will need to see.

 

The very narrow business end is more likely a button hook or vanity tool

 

I'd say it was a button-hook. Used for doing up boot-buttons or glove-buttons back in the day.

 

Nice find Dirt.......keep it up !!!!

 

I have a silver, broken letter opener with a MOP 'blade' that I haven't quite gotten to post yet.....but broken in a similar location and the handle looks also very similar!! But also button-hook is a distinct possibility!!!! OH, and HI and WELCOME, dirtfischer!!!!