Size: Very large canoe paddle

Recorded: September, 2014

Found: North Branch Antiques, Antrim, NH

Circa: 1800s?

Made: United States

Material: Steel

Status: Uknown

Thanks to Kitty Mervine for the submission!

No one seems to know what this is. It’s an adjustable metal hoop, with a very long handle attached at an angle. One one side is a metal rod with a chain attached to the bottom. There is a good deal of farm equipment at this shop, so it could be related to farming, but there is also a collection of industrial equipment from old factories. Could this be for dragging barrels around? If so, why the chain?

What do you think?

Don Lacey thinks it’s a crucible shank, and looking at this picture, it seems he might be right!