Decorative Round piece

[ModernMiner]

I found this at the farm spot yesterday. I think it may be brass, and I'm hoping for mid-1800's. The piece is about 1 1/2" across with nice decoration on the top.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
MM

 

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[Montana Jim]

I think mid-late 1800s based on design ... but no idea what it is.

 

[Gypsy Heart]

It looks like an old cap insert that would turn ....something .....powder perhaps would come out of the little hole when turned

 

[dugupfinds]

I think mid-late 1800s based on design ... but no idea what it is.

Agreed.

 

[DCMatt]

The insides of a pocket ashtray?

DCMatt

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

The insides of a pocket ashtray?

Oooo. I like that. I was trying to figure what it would fit in. Looks like it is designed to sit in a base, like a desk-top, and fit flush. If not for the bar I would have thought to hold an ink bottle. May still be part of a desk writing set to rest the nib of the ink pen on with another one for the bottle. But a small ashtray isn't a bad shot, either.

To hold a damp piece of felt in a cigar humidor? Any number of possibilities.

 

[Functional]

Drain insert that goes in the bottom of the shower. Melted lead on bottom left over from when it was disconnected from the pipe. There should be an equally "fancy" metal screen/strainer piece that fits into the center of the top somewhere.

F.