Could be both...some older snare drums had tension rods with bigger square heads therefore keys like you show here would be needed.

Mike Curotto

Thank you Mike. :)

I used to own an antique clock shop. Aren't you impressed? (ahem)

Most clock keys I ran across had two differences. The shank was longer, since the winding arbors are behind the clock face, and there was not a hole through the shaft.

I'm thinking this was a gas control on an old gas lamp or some other control knob. I saw lots of gas and water valve knobs with the same type of square and with the length of the shaft open for a screw down.

Very early electric light switches used all manor of 'human interface' push buttons and butterfly handles (what these can be called) also.

Old autoharp and zither tuning keys resemble those too.

Good point Fish. My Grandfather was a plumber/steamfitter by trade and thought it might be gas/water related possibly. Good info on the clock keys too thanks!

BEC thank you as well. Seems they had quite a few uses. I never knew that either.

Good stuff many thanks to everyone!