What is this?

[RednekF350]

While out along Albertson's Branch tonight just before dark I came across a heavy, weathered cast iron hook lying in the edge of a dike road.
I am going to try and link the photo here:
http://forums.njpinebarrens.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pos=0
If that doesn't work, try my gallery.
It is about 6" long and weighs about 5 lbs.
One end is formed like the head of a mallet and the other is an open hook.
The area where I found it was active for cranberry production about 60 years ago.
I am thinking the rounded head was placed in a keyway with a slot.
Any one have any guesses?
Scott

 

[Ben Ruset]

I wouldn't disagree with your hypothesis.

Edit: Nice find.

 

[LARGO]

As it is not really that far from the rails, don't rule out something relevent to trains. not my gig and I don't know from dating, but maybe NJVIKE or JERSEYMAN could tell.
Aside from that, I would guess part of a rig for pulling that worked with horse. Of course if old enough, any leather bindings would be gone or it simply could have broken off and been discarded during a pull.
A very cool piece for the mantle regardless.

G.

 

[Teegate]

That is a good find. It looks like something that would be for a train like Largo said.

Guy

 

[BEHR655]

That is a good find. It looks like something that would be for a train like Largo said.

Guy

It's only 6" long. Maybe it was once attached to a chain.

 

[RednekF350]

Steve
The hook shank is tapered and the hook opening is circular like it might have been a slip hook for chain.
The hook opening is not a grab hook for grabbing a link.
The mallet head is what has me baffled.
I am googling all kinds of hook items with no luck yet.
Scott

 

[kingofthepines]

Any one have any guesses?
Scott

Its an old mail hook from the railway days.

 

[bobpbx]

I think I figured it out by accident. I picked up an industrial catologue I got as junk mail and it opened to the page with come-alongs and chain falls. The hook has to swivel, hence the radius mushroom head. The only thing different is that this one has an extra bend, perhaps for a different application?

 

[onehand]

key way slot on one end and cable loop on the other is my guess

 

[LARGO]

If it is as I first guessed a railway thingy, there is just the fellow right around the corner from us to solve your mystery. I shall PM you his info.
As far as Googling, strike that, try Ebay and search Farm Equipment - hooks.

G.