Can anyone identify this antique tool/part?

[rebel58]

This fell out of a drag line bucket in a creek near Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks about a year ago. It looks to be 1800's - early 1900's forged iron. Have tried for a year to figure out what this is. Does anyone here know?

Thanks for any help!

 

[LastMagicBean]

YES.

These were commonly used in small towns in the 1600's.
They were hung on a nail, next to a bell.
The person in charge of the bell, would put his hand in the 'hoop' (as it was known at that time) and bang the bell to warn the other townsfolk of strangers and invading forces.

 

[sooey]

It looks like a skyhook to me.

 

[xr4x4]

It looks like a skyhook to me.

Yeah... You can find those next to the glass hammers.

 

[kevplumb]

It looks like a skyhook to me.

ive got one of them
and it works View media item 38019

 

[Nige F]

.
They were hung on a nail, next to a bell.
The person in charge of the bell, would put his hand in the 'hoop' () and bang the bell to warn the other townsfolk of strangers and invading forces.

Giving rise to the phrase - " I say , Ding Dong " when something noteworthy happens

 

[longdogs]

I think its one of Pat Evans earrings

 

[LastMagicBean]

Bean's on the money so far.

 

[iaith]

Bucket hook, I recon.

 

[Symptoms]

Could be part of a horse harness - the metal hook at the end of the trace for attaching to the plough or carriage.

 

[timtheenchanter]

sky hook, ask and yea shall receive...

http://www.flints.co.uk/acatalog/Sky_Hooks.html

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

looks like a rusty bullet hole scratcher!