Horse tail bridle ring of some sort

[simulant]

Hey all -- found this really cool ring with an ornate protuberance that I think looks like a horse's tail. What is this thing exactly?? Found it in an old farm field going back to perhaps 1850's, which is now woods.

 

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[sutphin]

Simulant check this out Victorian Cast Iron Oil Lamp Bracket and Holder Early Wall Light Lamp Holder ,I found something similar but mine was two piece same patina and I think its made of brass. I think the hangar of yours has broken off, house site where I found mine 1801,vanzutphen

 

[simulant]

Thanks sutphin, now that is interesting. I don't think this particular site was ever a home site, but I suppose they could have had an oil lamp post to be used outside and mounted this piece on the post. This was found alongside a trail on the edge of the farm field and they no doubt had some late working hours.

There are two things that put me off to this idea -- (1) why the horse tail? Or is it even a horse tail? and (2) I've been looking at images of oil lamp brackets and most of them are concave or have a curved inward edge so as to cradle the lamp as it's placed on top. Mine has straight edges.

 

[simulant]

Any other takers on this one? The horse tail piece seems to be intact ... it's not broken off anywhere from what I can tell.

 

[SkaBa]

Can't tell from photos, is it possible that there were 'horse tails' in the other two holes?