Dug up a curved piece of brass. What the heck is it?

[FreeBirdTim]

I found a piece of curved brass today about a foot down. Not sure what it went to, so I could use some help on this one. It's 1 1/2" wide and 3" long. It broke off of something, but I have no idea what that might be. I found it at the spot where I dug my 1723 Rosa Americana, so it could be from that era. Or it could be from the 1900's. I'm thinking that it screwed to wood, but that's just a guess. Toss out some ideas on this one! Thanks!

 

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[mcl]

Do I know what it is? No. But I will say this. It appears that one side of this piece has a fracture break. Looking at the intact side, you will note that it tapers. Looking back at the broken side, it appears that it also begins to taper. I suspect that when it was intact, both sides would have looked the same, and this piece was shaped like a crescent. That's all I know.

 

[Icewing]

Main Bearing from a crank shaft.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=crank+shaft+main+bearing&FORM=HDRSC2&PC=MOZB

 

[FreeBirdTim]

Very good guess, but the front and back are too rough and crude to be a main bearing. Also, the sides (thin part) are very smooth from use or handling. Keep the guesses coming!

 

[Icewing]

I stand by my ID, its roughness is a result of the engine having what's called a "spun bearing", then based on the color it looks like it oxidized in the soil for about 50 years. The sides wouldn't have been scored since they aren't the load bearing portion of the bearing. It also looks like it was pried off the connecting rod.

 

[FreeBirdTim]

Never seen a brass crankshaft bearing. We'll have to disagree on this one. More guesses would be appreciated.

 

[Icewing]

The metal is called Babbitt which consists of Tin, Copper, Antimony, Lead, and Arsenic.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babbitt_(alloy)

 

[50bmg]

In the second picture the piece doesn't appear to be perfectly round it looks like it straightens out I don't believe it is a bearing my self

 

[Anduril]

In the second picture the piece doesn't appear to be perfectly round it looks like it straightens out I don't believe it is a bearing my self

I don't think it's a bearing either, but my own experience is rebuilding small block Fords.
I note that the end of the bearing is tapered in the photo, and the ones shown in the link are not. (End is flat cut at perpendicular, not gradually tapered to the end.)

 

[gunsil]

Although it roughly resembles a bearing it does not really look like an engine bearing and it is definitely not babbit. I have rebuilt many engines from make and breaks to Porsches, and the material doesn't look at all like babbit. Possibly another type of bearing, but not from an engine.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

The radius says to me it's not a bearing, at least not from an engine or anything mechanical. I had the thought it may be part of a "foot cap" from an old table or chair leg. The hole would be where a tack went to hold it to the wood....

 

[bradyboy]

A bearing spacer wouldn't have the raised edges
no indication of rotation wear, no sign of precision factory workmanship

 

[Nitric]

I stand by my ID, its roughness is a result of the engine having what's called a "spun bearing", then based on the color it looks like it oxidized in the soil for about 50 years. The sides wouldn't have been scored since they aren't the load bearing portion of the bearing. It also looks like it was pried off the connecting rod.

That was my first thought when I saw it....Main bearing. Forget the exact name(thrust bearing(?)) but the one that keeps the crank from "walking"....I think you misspoke above on connecting rod. I haven't worked on any motors in years...But don't believe it's a connecting rod. Maybe a crank bearing.

And yes, I have taken them out, even pried them out. threw them behind the garage and some will look like that or close after years...Some also have a coating, then when you "burn" or wear through it it's a different color. I don't know my bearings real well.

BUT.....The sides are too rounded, they aren't square. I have seen bearings cut back a little on the end for whatever reason that looks a little too far though. And have seen them with the hole. Just looks to rounded and punched out looking.....You could be right though! That was my first thought..But I have doubts on that... If pried out? I'm not sure the break would look like that, but again my memory stinks and I haven't built or worked on a motor in years.

It looks so familiar to me and I can't put my finger on it...Driving me nuts!

 

[Nitric]

Never seen a brass crankshaft bearing. We'll have to disagree on this one. More guesses would be appreciated.

Yes, I have seen them wear through to a brassy color. When the coating wares off.....Some are put together in layers....I don't know enough to explain it...My memory sucks!! There are different alloys and layers to some of them. Especially when you get into race type bearings...

Example and there are others, just a quick search to show what I was trying to say above...

http://kingbearings.com/files/Engine_Bearing_Materials.pdf

 

[bradyboy]

I have to say my first thought was a bearing spaver to toke out the slop, but have an issue with the sides

 

[bradyboy]

sorry for the spelling - happy hour

 

[Nitric]

I have to say my first thought was a bearing spaver to toke out the slop, but have an issue with the sides

Also kind of reminds of something that goes on a shaft with a small dowel that goes in the hole, Like in dirt bike and even motor cycle gear boxes. Looks so familiar.....

 

[Nitric]

sorry for the spelling - happy hour

Understood competealy! I'm right there with ya! Tonight!!! I have know it all juice in a bottle!! Ask me anythign! People wonder why I'm laughing all by my self in the garage!

 

[trdking]

Me thinks Definitely not main bearing of any kind. Me thinks a piece of automobile dash trim probably chromed at one time. Have seen many similar pieces of dash trim. Complete with screw hole

 

[FreeBirdTim]

Thanks for the guesses, guys! I think trdking may be on to something regarding it being chromed at one time. Maybe part of a bumper? Just a guess...