I found a musket or rifle side plate (I Hope) Can anyone ID it?

[vhs07]

Hi guys, this was found in a salt water marshy area that saw a lot of German immigrants in the 1840's.
I'm hoping this is a side plate. It's broken where a third screw hole is. It's beveled and i can't make out
any writing or scroll work, although it's heavily corroded. I would like to know if this is actually a side plate,
and if anyone can find an example of it.
Thanks

Charles

 

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[Charlie P. (NY)]

Indeed appears to be 75% of a rifle side plate.

 

[EdHartzel]

It is absolutely a side plate. (Left side of gun) the skinny part with bolt hole goes to the left- and the broken piece would have faced away from the muzzle. No 3rd hole The problem with getting a solid ID is that this is a typical example of a very common American sideplate used on both civilian sporting guns as well as military arms in the early 1800s. (Golden Ear) This style was phased out by the 1850s. So I can only venture to say I am certain it is pre civil war. Thisphoto is of a flintlock from the 1830s-1840s with what appears to be the same brass sideplate. - best I can do! However- Hit that spot again! Where there is some- there may be more!!!

 

[CRUSADER]

Indeed appears to be 75% of a rifle side plate.