✅ SOLVED Colonial hand engraved snake with arrows - Copper

[OutdoorAdv]

I found this today at one of my colonial sites and its really cool... I just don't know what it is. Before I post my finds from today, I'd like to get an ID on this thing so I can properly describe it.

Obviously, its a hand engraved design with a snake in the middle being shot through with 9 arrows. Its looks very well made.

Its copper and its 4.25" x 1.25". Its pretty thick 3/64th" so its not flimsy. It has ONE nail hole at the top. I originally thought this was a handle to a knife or tool, but there is only one nail in it. Also, the bottom is curved around itself forming a round end. (you can see it in my last picture) That shape doesn't suggest its a handle to anything.

Front


Back


Side


Open to any suggestions. I'd really like to know what this is and what it was used for.

Thank you everyone in advance.

 

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[villagenut]

No idea what it is,but I really like it. Very cool indeed!

 

[OWK]

Bottom looks like a hinge. Top looks like a latch.

I have seen patch boxes in the stock of muskets.

That's what it makes me think of (given the curvature).





The engraving looks home-made... and pretty early. (late 18th)

 

[stefen]

As a WAG, I'd say it was used possibly as a buckle...missing a peg...

 

[deepsecrets]

Bottom looks like a hinge. Top looks like a latch.

I have seen patch boxes in the stock of muskets.

That's what it makes me think of (given the curvature).

View attachment 1221378



The engraving looks home-made... and pretty early. (late 18th)

Would agree - Kentucky Rifle Patch Box Plate late 18th/early 19th C. It's a bow, not a snake

 

[cw0909]

outdoor, that is a way cool find,maybe research companies
that made blank patch boxes
why nine arrows,New Hampshire was 9th to the union

 

[OutdoorAdv]

Wow! Thanks a ton everyone.... It's definitely a patch box cover. The top is beveled just like the ones in these pictures and the bottom looks like a hinge. It also has a bit of a curve to it like the stock of a rifle. Marking this one as solved. I'll get my finds from today in post later tonight.

Thanks a ton everyone.

 

[Vino]

Bottom looks like a hinge. Top looks like a latch.

I have seen patch boxes in the stock of muskets.

That's what it makes me think of (given the curvature).

View attachment 1221378



The engraving looks home-made... and pretty early. (late 18th)

Outstanding ID OWK!!
Good job.

 

[Vino]

That is a fantastic find Brad.
That should go with your trigger guard and flints and that Bayonet?

 

[curbdiggercarl57]

Killer!
Carl

 

[OWK]

Outstanding ID OWK!!
Good job.

Thanks for the kind words.

Sometimes the ID just comes to you.