Interesting 19th Century Relic

[Erik in NJ]

There's an old house up the road that is being gutted and restored and I've spent a few hours on the property - unfortunately no silver yet, but some older wheaties (1914 & 1919 - no D on the '14 like Mike's :sad turned up tonight as well as this old relic (I have some more interesting items from this location that I have yet to post). This is a gorgeous brass drawer pull - about the size of a nickel. You can just make out some of the gilt that remains on it. Originally I thought the white on this item was patina, but it looks as if someone painted the piece of furniture that it came from including the hardware a long time ago. The detail on this item and some of the other items from this site are lovely - they don't make 'em like this anymore!

I know everyone likes to see pics of silver coins here, but to me each relic from this period is extra special and tells a story. This little relic made my hunt this evening.

Thanks for looking!

 

[John - Maryland]

I have found similar ones. Are you sure it not an old "Key" that's broken off.

 

[Erik in NJ]

Hi John! That's what I thought it was initially when it was dug....then I notices that there is a threaded hole at the bottom (that is not shown in the pic)....at this point I wasn't sure what it was. As I was showing it to our Columbian au pair, she seemed fairly confident that it was a drawer pull. There is a protruding square bit at the bottom as well as a wedge of extra metal - I'm assuming to prevent the pull from turning and the screw is inserted from inside the drawer or cabinet door.

If you have any of them handy, please post a pic. Thanks, Erik

 

[pizzacoil]

Erik,

Whether it's a drawer pull or a Reale, it is a relic. It's value is relative. We work hard for our finds, and as far as I'm concerned, an item such as yours would be proudly displayed amongst my collection had I been the one to find it.

Congrats!

Jules