Small metal excavated hook on square object...anyone know it? For building?

A friend working as a volunteer on an archaeological site says they keep finding these on a dig and don't know what they are. I asked him for a photo and they're happy for any info on what it is.

This is from an actual archaeological dig at an 18th historic estate in Virginia. The area they are finding them is very disturbed and has lots of architectural debris such as plaster, mortar and bricks. They are guessing these are late 19th to early 20th C. I swear I should know. They forgot to supply exact size measurements so the guestimate was a bit over 1/2" on a side.




Any help is greatly appreciated!!

 

I was going to suggest lashing hooks until I saw the size, 1/2”? That’s tiny unless I’ve misunderstood?

 

Even though he had the weight etc for the size he said "I should have juxtaposed a ruler in the photo but didn’t think of it. Each of the square sides is probably a little over 1/2 inch." I'm going to ask to verify.

 

A coat hook? Just a guess. Probably wrong as that is tiny in size.

 

It's so small - I was thinking some kind of push through drywall anchor/hook............

 

I don't see any evidence of holes for mounting so not sure if coat/cup hook would work. No idea.

Rayo is that a wire fed through a hole in drywall? The hook side looks similar.

 

Just got verification on the size, yes he says its just over 1/2" on a side.

 

I was just thinking you push the "Hook" through the drywall and the little square "backplate" holds it on the back of the sheet from pulling through. Like maybe just for hanging some lightweight pictures? - other than that I got nothing........

 

Maybe to fit in some kind of slat wall system?

 

Rayo and Brad, both could be, I have no idea and seem to come up empty when searching. There are a few archaeologists asking around so maybe someone will instantly know.

I wondered about something set in a wall or even if it could be related to roof tiles like little snow guard hooks or something. They seem rather utilitarian. Whew, love a mystery but also love a solution!

 

Thanks everyone for your thoughts!

This morning I got an email with a "maybe" identification. Not knowing myself what sort of hooks might have held slate tiles in place and googling modern ones, I have questions, however, perhaps they are actually a form of slate tile hook.

I did ask if the back of the square had any sign of a broken shank but apparently they are very smooth with no indication of something broken off.

Apparently the mansion had a slate tile roof at one time that was removed so who knows ?

This came with the email.
https://www.nachi.org/slate-roofs-part6-125.htm




This is what I'm finding for modern slate hooks which seem different.


https://www.stortz.com/product/copper-slate-hooks-per-pound/

 

I had thought of this but, after some research, found no slate hooks with this configuration. Still possible but have no evidence to support the theory.

 

Neither do I so I'm ever the doubter. To me it's still an open question.

 

We have that slat board in the shop and that was my first thought.

 

Thanks for thinking on this. I sent an email to a local guy that used to do early house repair but haven't heard back from him yet.

The person who sent this photo to me just sent another with a ruler. He also says that Colonial Williamsburg is working on it too so I'm guessing someone will know for sure.

I'm going to send your suggestions on for consideration Looks about the right size for a key to hang on doesn't it?