Fireplace Gas Valve ???

Remodeled 1890’s house. Gas log fireplace with valve inside the box, but what is this sticking out of the sheetrock next to it? It is threaded on the end and came unscrewed when I turned it too far to the left. Luckily I was able to screw it back in. =)

Seen anything like this before?

Thanks!

Old style damper lever possibly, old houses had a handle type that usually came out the front of the fireplace, rather than reaching inside to open the damper. Hope you didnt close their damper with a gas log f.p.