Help With a Latch of some sort

[BioProfessor]

I have been given access to the original homesite of the person responsible for developing Sea Island Cotton for use as a crop for coastal South Carolina. His homesite is now just a ruin but there are things around that can help tell the family more about his life and times. His home was built in the late 1600's and has been in ruin for 75-100 years.

I found this cast bronze latch plate today and have no idea how old it may be. It is (I think) fairly distinctive in the design and someone with knowledge of these type things may recognize it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Daryl

 

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[creskol]

It is 1/2 of a Tonneau Door Fastener, probably off of an old buggy, but I am sure there were other applications as well.

 

[Noodle]

Looks like it's been sawn on recently. From right to left. Good luck...

 

[BioProfessor]

Thanks!! I knew somebody would recognize it.

It looks like the saw marks may have been put there during the manufacturing process when they cut off the "extra" stuff on the back to make it level. ? Possible?

Daryl