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The pictured item seems to be approx. 14 inches long.
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The hook was used to hang on posts or outcroppings, but miners also used the hook to hang the candle on their hats.
https://www.pasty.com/cam/2005/b1030a.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/MV6XghfLYMoWG1KqPt0Um1kDn29NUKCS9dlGlvOYnjNvgbCthNJBOjuxsVR7ay1dcWvWrgik-fw6zQjb9aY5urbduapU5nrNkIcXBbP-sarBdtP3LQDS_uqjqwcBivJehwF-VEB9-F2j
it was used by miners. Driven into a Timber in Hard Rock Mine, it was used to hold a candle that help the miner know if he had good air. And the hook was used to hang his lunch from as they were frequently rats and water on the floor. I have one with a vuarnet trademark from France oh, I wonder if it’s worth anything.
Pictured is an antique miner’s candle holder, known as a “sticking Tommy,” used in mines for light.
Just to add to the “miner’s needle“ comments. The curved pointed piece was not for hanging on a hat (if so it would be flat and not pointed). The curved pointed piece was used to hang on a post or brace. Thanks .
Nutsforcrackers
It appears to hold a candle, but that’s a wicked point on the end. So, maybe that’s used to stick the candle into something when you need the use of both hands?
“Hat pin” for Japanese peformers’ large wigs…or for any women’s large wig (primarily used in stage performances)…
has several places for attaching to structured wig and for holding fanciful components, such as flowers and
dangling beads.
I would have to go with the consensus here of a candle holder for mining, unless, now this is just a long-shot, it’s a medical device for removing boils or other pustules, by using the long sharp point to puncture the said boil, the rounded end to put over the boil and squeeze the innards out, the small cup to catch and preserve the resultant excretion, and the rounded hook to hang the tool from the “operator’s” belt, thus making the tool handy and convenient for anytime the need to play ” POP goes the Squeezle ” should arise.
turbo encabulator.
Yes, Winchester2 and kerrano are correct: I have one of these! It’s a candle holder for use in a mine and pushed onto cracks/shaft rock walls or bracing. Didn’t know the hook was to hand on the miner’s hat, though! Good answer! I live in the heart of the “Mother Lode” country, so mine was likely used.
Its a candle holder on a spike to stick into a log or wooden wall.
I agree with Winchester2. But would add that the hook is also to hang on the miners hat.
Portable seat to stick into ground at Polo matches, etc
A candle holder used by miners while underground. The pointed tip is designed to be pushed into cracks in the rocks or between rocks and wood supports.