Escutcheon (?)

[theatomicpansy]

Hi,

Just looking for some help identifying this piece I dug up recently. I believe it is an escutcheon (decorative piece on a firearm), although I'd like to know what you guys think. It measures about 4.3 x 2.1cm, and seems to be some sort of copper alloy. I found it in a known mid-18th century French occupation site here in Canada; however, I've read that the British were around this area as well, so I'm not sure about the origins of the piece. I've seen other escutcheons, however they all seem to be much simpler in design than this one.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

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[DCMatt]

We need to see the back as well as the front to make any determination.

DCMatt

 

[theatomicpansy]

We need to see the back as well as the front to make any determination.

DCMatt

My bad

 

[DCMatt]

It looks more like it was attached to leather. What is the size?

I see the owl shape but I can't make out the image in the center? What is it?

DCMatt

 

[theatomicpansy]

It looks more like it was attached to leather. What is the size?

I see the owl shape but I can't make out the image in the center? What is it?

DCMatt

Glad to know I'm not the only one who sees an owl. As for the head in the center, it appears to be the bust of some sort of helmeted figure, in profile, although it's difficult to determine if the figure is male/female. The piece measures approx. 44mm x 21mm.

 

[DCMatt]

Glad to know I'm not the only one who sees an owl. As for the head in the center, it appears to be the bust of some sort of helmeted figure, in profile, although it's difficult to determine if the figure is male/female. The piece measures approx. 44mm x 21mm.

That's what I was seeing also. Just wanted to make sure.

The Roman/Greek soldier motif leads me to think your item is closer to mid - late 19th century. Victorian revival stuff.

DCMatt

 

[timekiller]

Pretty sure it's a thumbplate escutcheon.I've seen that design on a musket somewhere before.The center mount piece looks like how many were mounted.That did not use the small tacks to hold them on.If I run across it later I'll post it.
Take Care,
Pete,
Mean while you can look here & see many with that type mount on the back.
owl thumb plate escutcheon - Google Search

 

[theatomicpansy]

DCMatt, Pete,

Many thanks to the two of you for the suggestions. As much as I enjoy finding unique pieces like this, it's always annoying when you can't be completely certain what you have.

 

[timekiller]

I've looked for ya some more this morning,but some of the sites I had in my favorites don't seem to work no more.So no luck on a exact match.But with the curve yours seems to have,it's size,the way it mounted etc.I still think it's a thumb plate piece.Most of the fancy type were used on personal type guns say for hunting & such pistols,long guns.The pic. below is close it's off a fowler.I'll give you the site as well just click the guns & it will pull up larger pics.But it could very well be off a pistol as well.
http://www.fowlingguns.com/fowlers.html
Take Care,
Pete,

 

[DCMatt]

I'll go with timekiller on this one. I looked at other examoples and you item is the correct shape and size for a thumb plate (I'm not much of a gun guy). I do, however, stand by my 19th century estimation of the age. The Roman/Greek/Trojan soldier motif was VERY popular in Victorian times.

DCMatt

 

[Iron Patch]

I'll go with timekiller on this one. I looked at other examoples and you item is the correct shape and size for a thumb plate (I'm not much of a gun guy). I do, however, stand by my 19th century estimation of the age. The Roman/Greek/Trojan soldier motif was VERY popular in Victorian times.

DCMatt

More like mid. 18th century, which was the date for everything found around it.... and I know this because I was there!

 

[kuger]

I really like it.I seen the Owl right off,thats awesome!!