Help in Identifying Make of Banjo Part

[Mark Wallace]

One of my part-time hobbies is metal detecting and a member of our detecting club recently found this item and was asking for help to identify it. I say it is a nut from a banjo hook but have never seen one this quite this fancy. He says it is sterling silver. Any ideas? 

[Greg Mirken]

Never seen one like that. Square across the middle? What are dimensions? My vote so far is not a banjo nut.

[Tim Mace]

I don't think so either as it doesn't look like a key would work very well configured as such.Sterling is going a bit over board for a bjo hooknut.Is that the technical nomenclature?Maybe a handle tip for Blackbeard's trusty sidearm!!

[Paul Breen]

I've not seen a hook nut like that before either and really doubt that was it's purpose. Nickle, also sometimes referred to as German Silver and Brass where the metals that where predominately used. German Silver has no Silver content at all but is mostly Nickle and Copper. I can't rule out the early use of Silver in banjos but it would be too soft for a nut.

You might try posting your picture over at the Banjo Hangout, there are some very knowledgeable banjo detectives there. I suspect they will give you the same response as your getting here though.

[Ned Knepp]

The first thing I though of when I saw it was the tip of one of the Bolo (?) ties from Texas. You know, the one that is a cord that is tied in a bow with silver tips hanging down the front of you shirt?

Anyway....

Ned

[Frank Ford]

Unless it's clearly machine threaded, I think I'll go with the bolo tie end, too.

[Mark Wallace]

It appears to be threaded with a broken piece still inside. Appreciate the feedback. Thanks guys.

[Paul Verticchio]

My bet is that it's a finial from a lamp of some sort.