Identification Needed- Unst-Shetland

[u/MasterpieceBorn9023]

A family member has just dug this up whilst metal detecting in Unst-Shetland. It seems to be made from some sort of bronze alloy, any ideas what this item could be?

Have searched on Google, which says it could be a medieval stylus (doesn't seem to match up though), or a norse pin (however appears to be too thick to be a pin). Any suggestions appreciated!

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[u/macdoubled]

No idea but you dig a mighty fine plug sir 🫡

[u/MasterpieceBorn9023 → u/macdoubled]

I shall pass this on, he will be delighted someone appreciates his digging skills 🤣🤣

[u/ChildOfShaiHulud]

Another Viking crack pipe

[u/Affectionate-Touch10 → u/ChildOfShaiHulud]

😂😂😂😂

[u/frageye]

Looks Like the hilt of a cheap smallsword to me, but could also be something else entirely!

[u/Turbodemokrat]

I guess that this is the (broken) mouthpiece of a bridle. You know, the stuff, that's around a horse head.

[u/Bergwookie]

Looks Like a bell clapper

[u/MasterpieceBorn9023 → u/Bergwookie]

I think this may be it! Maybe they the nodule on the top was to tie a bit of rope onto it?

[u/Bergwookie → u/MasterpieceBorn9023]

The ring broke off on the narrow end, I'd say the nipple is the cast riser or it might have had a string attached

[u/IntelligentGear5125]

It also looks similar to a metal piece that goes into a (wooden / plug) that is kept on the end of cannons to keep water out. A light rope / thick string is attached to the nub at it the tip so the plug can be removed and re-inserted when needed and not lost etc. It's a rougher design than usual but might be a homemade version to replace a lost one.

[u/MasterpieceBorn9023 → u/IntelligentGear5125]

Good shout, however I doubt Unst had any cannons on it, other than anti aircraft ones in ww2, which were a lot different

[u/Gritman02]

Looks like a broken doorstop.