Two brass unknowns....

[mike c.]

Hi guys,

I found these two items at the old cellar hole where I found an 1882 Indian.I believe the hole dates back to the mid 1800's,possibly earlier.

Both items appear to be made of brass.The one on the left is about 2 3/8 inches in diameter. It looks like it could be part of some kind of one-way ratcheting mechanism.

The ball is about 1 1/8 inches in diameter and is threaded.The thread is tapered and the hole on one side is 5/8 and the other is 3/8 of an inch.

Any help would be appreciated.Thanx.

 

[HuntinDog]

Don't know on the ring, but it looks like it was screwed to something, with the countersink holes.
The other ball thing might be an OX knob.

 

[mike c.]

Don't know on the ring, but it looks like it was screwed to something, with the countersink holes.
......

I agree.The three smaller holes that you see are threaded.I think a cover plate was screwed over the top to possibly keep a ratcheting mechanism in place.

I've been wondering if that item is actually from a piece of machinery much newer than the cellar hole.Although the area hasn't been populated since around 1900,the area has been extensively logged/cleared in preparation for the land to be sold as building lots.

I'm wondering if that could be part of an old chainsaw starter mechanism.I don't know if older saws had any brass parts in them.I've got saws from the 50's and none of them have brass mechanical parts that I know of.

 

[HuntinDog]

I was thinking a spring loaded ratchet of some sort, but being brass it wouldn't take the repeated use of a chainsaw.
Everything I think of would wear out too fast.
Sorry still no help with that one...