Hay Tester?

[lptools]

Hello, One of the guys brought this in to work, and asked me to cut the cane down to make a handle for it. He said it is a hay tester, and I would like to verify this. Also, if anybody has one, what would be the correct length from the top of the socket to the back of the curved handle? Thanks, Lou

[gibsontool]

Not sure if I understand what this is supposed to do, maybe to get into the center of the bale to see if it's wet. That would be my guess. If that is it's purpose the length would depend on if your checking old style rectanglular bales or the bigger round bales, or, make it long enough so you could check various sizes.

[bill300d]

Here's one you should be able to get an idea from IP.
https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Antique-18th-Century-Hay-Thief-Forged-Wrought-Iron-Harpoon-Primitive-Farm-Tool-/263435277055?hash=item3d55f752ff

[lptools]

Hello, Guys . Thanks for the info, now I am sure about the orientation of the hook. The cane is tapered, so it look like I will be able to get a decent length handle. Thanks again, Lou

[Northwoods]

No hay bales in the 18th century. Isn't it for dragging samples from deep inside a pile of loose (but we'll compacted) hay to check for spoilage or danger of spontaneous combustion?
Having been raised on a farm, I hazard  it has been used as a cattle prod, as well.

[bill300d]

Isn't it for dragging samples from deep inside a pile of loose (but we'll compacted) hay to check for spoilage or danger of spontaneous combustion?

I would think so. I cant imagine trying to get that barb on there out of a bale without pulling it all apart.

[john k]

Sure looks like a harpoon.   Testing hay,  back then the hay was good, or no dam good. 

[Northwoods]

Seems we have seen hat tester with multiple, smaller hooks?

[oldgoaly]

I thought these things were for hand tying bales to fish the string around, but I could be wrong just ask my wife!

[EVILDR235]

kinda funny about hay and a possible harpoon. I watched a firearm related show years where a guy bought two harpoon guns at a gunshow. The guy test fired them by shooting bales of hay with them.

EvilDr235

[Sudsy]

Looks like a vintage swordfishing harpoon to me.

[lptools]

Hello, The harpoon theory is looking good. I pulled out one of my reference books and came up with this, now it is getting interesting!!!  Regards, Lou

[lptools]

Now I know why the guy brought in a  cane for a handle!!!!!  Check out item #263435277055 on ebay. Regards, Lou

[wvtools]

The handles I have seen on them looked a lot like that cane, and were about 2 to 3 feet long.