🔎 UNIDENTIFIED Any ideas?

[VaGent]

Both of these very thin, brass strips with a scalloped design were found in the same area, but about 20 years apart. The site where found is a homesite in Central Virginia that has produced almost exclusively 1840s to Civil War relics, almost nothing post Civil War. Site was occupied by both US and CS soldiers. I have seen and handled a lot of relics, but these have me stumped as to what they are. Both were bent and crumpled up when dug. Both are ~6" long and slightly tapered, have a tiny hole at each end, and bear traces of silverplate. Anyone have any idea what they are?

 

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[VaGent]

Both of these very thin, brass strips with a scalloped design were found in the same area, but about 20 years apart. The site where found is a homesite in Central Virginia that has produced almost exclusively 1840s to Civil War relics, almost nothing post Civil War. Site was occupied by both US and CS soldiers. I have seen and handled a lot of relics, but these have me stumped as to what they are. Both were bent and crumpled up when dug. Both are ~6" long and slightly tapered, have a tiny hole at each end, and bear traces of silverplate. Anyone have any idea what they are?

While not an exact match, I am thinking these may have been decorative trim on a shako, similar to these examples:

 

[villagenut]

Nice finds, you may very well be right

 

[UnderMiner]

While not an exact match, I am thinking these may have been decorative trim on a shako, similar to these examples:

First thing I thought was part of a 19th century military uniform. The thin metal has a very military look to it.

 

[invent4hir]

That would be way cool if indeed it was decorative trim! How was the decorative trim attached to the shako? The reason for asking is I see what could be a little rust at the left end of the bottom piece of trim. If so, do you recall if there was a rusty nail in the hole next to the trim?

 

[VaGent]

That would be way cool if indeed it was decorative trim! How was the decorative trim attached to the shako? The reason for asking is I see what could be a little rust at the left end of the bottom piece of trim. If so, do you recall if there was a rusty nail in the hole next to the trim?

Yes, the ends have tiny holes with the remains of either a tack or fine iron wire. That would be consistent with that type of headwear.

 

[DCMatt]

While not an exact match, I am thinking these may have been decorative trim on a shako, similar to these examples:

I think "shako trim" is a good bet. Most of them I saw had "scales" instead of an embossed "one piece" trim.

I did find this. Again, not an exact match but a one piece embossed thin brass piece of similar size and shape.

1836 US Infantry officer's shako:

 

[Gare]

Someone will probably see it and tell us what it is for sure