Epaulet? Found at Myrtle Beach, any help appreciated.

[jeffdrexel]

I think this is an epaulet that was worn on a soldiers, or sailor's shoulder. Possibly an officer. It was found in the surf at Myrtle Beach, SC, near the Windsurfer Hotel on the north side of Myrtle Beach. Originally found in a softball size accretion of shells, sand, mud, and etc. Most crumbled off by hand. It is 4 inches by 1 inch. It appears to be gold washed or plated brass? Is it an epaulet? Age? Use? Country? Value?

Any help would be appreciated.

Jeff

 

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[Yard Digger]

Hi Jeff, and welcome to TNet. I don't know anything about your find except it looks
like a good find. Hang in there and keep checking back, someone will know about it
post an answer for you.
Happy Hunting,
YardDigger

 

[Ramitt]

i don't think so, but i am no expert. I would guess it is a decorative piece off something. Most epaulets I am familiar with are cloth covered.

 

[IronSpike]

Welcome jeffdrexel

How big is it?

Maybe a barrette?

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Welcome jeffdrexel

How big is it?

Maybe a barrette?

You beat me again Ken! I agree looks to be Modern decorative women's hair barrette

 

[Yard Digger]

It is 4 inches by 1 inch. It appears to be gold washed or plated brass? Is it an epaulet? Age? Use? Country? Value?

Any help would be appreciated.

Jeff

Welcome jeffdrexel

How big is it? Maybe a barrette?

Looks to bulky to be a barrette.

 

[IronSpike]

Thanks Yard Digger. Not sure how I missed the size

 

[Yard Digger]

Thanks Yard Digger. Not sure how I missed the size

You're welcome IronSpike.
YardDigger

 

[jeffdrexel]

Any help? What is it?

 

[trikikiwi]

Welcome jeffdrexel
Interesting find. It does have a Naval look.
The dimensions seem reasonable for an epaulet/epaulette, but to me, it seems
like the shape is purposeful, so unless the wearer was Quasimodo



My vote is in for a Barrette.

Just found this. Food for thought.

http://www.horsetackco.com/horse-hair-by-cowboy-collectible.html

Cheers, Mike

 

[jeffdrexel]

I do not think this is a Hair Barrette, it is too substantial to be such, the design looks military to me.

 

[Breezie]

I do not think this is a Hair Barrette, it is too substantial to be such, the design looks military to me.

Jeff, during Victorian times, women wore very substantial hair barrettes, and many were sterling silver. Those ladies wore MUCHO clothing; probably at least 10 pounds by the time you included pairs of pantaloons, metal staved corsettes, 3 or 4 slips, and that was just the under clothing, so a heavy duty hair barrette was a piece of cake! Seriously though, yours is shaped for the head, not the shoulders. Below are a few Victorian hair barettes, which in my opinion is a pretty good find! Breezie

PS: Welcome to the forum.