Easy one.....

[garyo1954]

One of the better pieces of junk I dug around the edge of the garden.....
The overall length is about 2 1/4", width about 1 3/4"



On the back we have two brads and at the right end it appears to have places for (assuming) wire attachments.



Picture three, the opposite end shows a catch of sorts...



The intricate detail is what makes me think its old. The small amber colored stone may be plastic. It has a copper color beneath the aging.



I would think its a hair clip or possibly broach that might have been plated at some point.

 

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[Loco-Digger]

I agrre with your thoughts, most probably a broach.

 

[Bluedogcards]

thinking a broach it is a long shot but light switch cover

 

[cudamark]

Yup, light switch plate.

 

[digger460]

very small switch plate.

 

[jewelerguy]

I disagree with the switch plate theory. I believe it's a brooch, probably had an emerald cut amber colored stone in the center to match the smaller stones. You can see the prongs that would hold it in. Most likely glass stones, and probably dates to the 1910's. (plastic wasn't invented at that time)

 

[xr7ator]

I disagree with the switch plate theory. I believe it's a brooch, probably had an emerald cut amber colored stone in the center to match the smaller stones. You can see the prongs that would hold it in. Most likely glass stones, and probably dates to the 1910's. (plastic wasn't invented at that time)

Also, weren't the light switches two buttons back when they made ornate brass/copper stuff?(or, in the day, sts) I have found a few switch covers and they have two holes for the buttons, not a rectangle hole centered.
It does look like it could have been rivited to a rectangle shaped light switch cover IF they produced the up/down lever type switch back when.


What's it's like that one are cool, regardless. HH ALL

 

[2Minnesota]

I agree brooch. Prongs around center and rim around edge to hold a stone in there. Maybe the stone is in the hole still? The metal looks to have good detail for being in the ground so long (no corrosion), could it be Sterling? Cool old piece!

 

[villagenut]

As an electrician, I will say not a switch plate.At first glance I did think so, but the measurements and the screw holes that are not there told me no,not a plate. the location of the mounting holes are not holes at all, but rather riveted prongs for holding the synthetic stones that you see in the last pic.Def a brooch.

 

[garyo1954]

Thanks for all the replies guys!

I think we nailed it as a broach. Really like the 1910 date. I've pulled 1900s Indians from the same area so its reasonable.

A light switch lever wouldn't fit through the center rectangle. At the longest point its about half inch.



It's malleable and with the reddish color, like thin copper, it would be a danger for that purpose.

Thanks Again!