Mystery object
The owner of the enigmatic device shown in the attached images would be very pleased to know what, precisely, it is.
The object is described as follows, and is shown in the images below:
‘It measures 8.1/2″ long x 4.3/4″ wide, with a brass or bronze fleur de lis applied to the front and an iron swing handle to the reverse. I’m guessing age-wise perhaps late 18th or early 19th century. The wood is perhaps fruitwood with a dark patination.’
We would be pleased to hear your suggestions as to its age, origin and – perhaps most elusive of all – its purpose!
Reverse of object, with iron swing handle and two iron studs. Small fleur-de-lys symbols can be seen stamped into the surface.
Front of object, with brass or bronze fleur-de-lys emblem.
My first impression is that the object is, indeed, French and does appear to date from the late 18th or early 19th century. It appears to be designed to be carried by the wooden handle and, if that is the case, the knocker would alternately strike the two metal studs as it was swung whilst walking. However, I’m not sure what purpose that would serve other than to produce an audible rattle.
This could be an up-market bird-scarer: the ‘clacking’ sound produced by twisting would frighten birds effectively. Why it should be such a well-made object for a farmer’s job remains a mystery unless it was used on a large estate to send up game-birds.