Anyone know what it is?

[Old River]

Found this brass piece at a site where back in the 1800's they use to work on old steam boats. I find lots of gears, and steel from the boats. This is the only piece like this. I had in my mind that it could have been a decorative part to a hand rail, but I don't know. Its marked with a VI on the back of it.

 

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[Montana Jim]

do you think it was broken at the right side end?

 

[nebstater]

What's it made of? Looks to be cast iron.

 

[ivan salis]

color tip off -- looks to be brass / bronze --(greenish color is the way copper based items corrude ) --- thinking --- (trigger guard )--the back part by butt stock -- the trigger guard --and the rest runs underneath on bottom. (might not have holes drilled out yet for attaching )

 

[Old River]

It is made or brass. and it does look like it could hav been broken off on right end. Thanks for viewing.

 

[72cheyenne]

Sure looks like a trigger guard. There was one similar just a while back. I think it has been flattened out some.

 

[fortbball9]

I think Ivan hit this one right on the head.Some of the old rifles had long fancy trigger guards on them.
So that is my guess also.Very neat find.

fortbball9

 

[kuger]

I think Ivan hit this one right on the head.Some of the old rifles had long fancy trigger guards on them.
So that is my guess also.Very neat find.

fortbball9

For what its worth I ditto that!

 

[BuckleBoy]

Good.  It means that I was not crazy with my hunch in the reply to the same find in the "Today's Find" section earlier tonight.  


I still don't know what to make of the "VI" carved or cast into the piece though...



-Buckles

 

[Old River]

It is very possible that it could be a trigger guard. i would have hated to have to carry that gun. Maybe it was some kind of gun on one of the boats. It was found in the same area where the Texas Navy buttons were found. The brass piece is fifteen, and one half inches long, one quarter to three eights inches thick, and one inch wide in the widest part. Would be one heck of a gun. Boy it does look like it though.

 

[72cheyenne]

Here is an interesting read on an early musket. Seems roman numerals were used barrel bands and trigger guards. This is a cached link so that the words of interest are highlighted.

http://74.6.239.67/search/cache?ei=...umerals+numeral&d=dYqFNp2uScL_&icp=1&.intl=us

 

[ivan salis]

hummm --- enlongated trigger guard with roman numerials stamped on it -- 1795 type flint lock trigger guard * real possible

humm nice info snag 72 cheyenne

 

[Montana Jim]

Or initials... Maybe ole' Victor Indigo lost it.

I also considered it as one of many types of supports for any other kind of item... many side by side may make a grate. Or, put some in a circle and it makes the ribs to another structure. Or maybe it's an antique architectural element...



Or, a really straight trigger guard, but I'm not seeing that at all... unless so much is missing I can't recognize it.

 

[fmerg]

i belive its a water pitcher handle that has been bent a little the small portursion on the out side is were one would use their thumb to hold the pitcher when pouring
if it were a gun part there would be holes to mount the part

 

[Ramitt]

Shape looks like a trigger guard, but from the photo with the hand it seems a bit large.

 

[kuger]

Good. It means that I was not crazy with my hunch in the reply to the same find in the "Today's Find" section earlier tonight.


I still don't know what to make of the "VI" carved or cast into the piece though...



-Buckles

Yea,I seen your reply over there after I posted here,your not crazy!I have a barrel band somewhere,that has Roman numerals etched in it....I have to find it again!

 

[kuger]

Here is an interesting read on an early musket. Seems roman numerals were used barrel bands and trigger guards. This is a cached link so that the words of interest are highlighted.

http://74.6.239.67/search/cache?ei=...umerals+numeral&d=dYqFNp2uScL_&icp=1&.intl=us

Ah hah!I didnt read your post first either!Interesting,I have to find that band,around here somewhere!Thanks for that link.

 

[Montana Jim]

Find a similar guard on a weapon and I'll be convinced... anyone? I know it looks like on, but only kinda.

 

[Tricia]

Door handle.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I originally posted trigger guard reply #1 for sure but I deleted my post when I realized how large this thing is lol. I have a bad habit of posting in haste. Now I dont feel so embarrassed. It sure resembles a trigger guard but is too large I think. Also I dont see the screw holes. I like the seat idea in reply #12. It also looks like it was welded.