I thought it was a coin

[salty dog]

I found this the other day while scouting for a place to metal detect.
There was a lot of old broken house hold items, plates, old bottles, etc.
This was laying on top of the ground where some logging was taking place.
This is a little smaller than a dime and the edge looks like a dime.
There is nothing on the back and the front has PAT JAN 28 & FEB 25 1879 . It looks like it might be brass.
Any ideas?

 

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[Montana Jim]

This is a broad-range guess... and it prolly overstates the obvious.

Looks like a knurled adjustment knob for an optical sighting devise (scope, binoculars, telescope, spyglass, surveying equipment, etc...).

Might be a weapons sight adjustment knob.



Or... from whatever ED posts next!

 

[EDDE]

 

[PBK]

I think this is the knob/wheel for adjusting the wick height on a lamp or lantern.

 

[Montana Jim]

I think this is the knob/wheel for adjusting the wick height on a lamp or lantern.

... or that.

 

[Monty]

Yeah, it's one of those! Monty

 

[rabajohn]

I have to agree with PBK! I found one of those still attached to the mantle part of the lamp. It had a date of 1860 something on it in the same manner as your piece. If I knew where I have it stored away I would try to get a pic. If you ARE interested in seeing it I will look for it. Let me know, OK?

 

[borninok]

salty dog,

Going on PBK's answer & rabajohn's anwer....you might want to check out the following site:

http://www.lanternnet.com/patents.htm

The site indicates that on Feb 25, 1879, Patent 212603 was issued to John H. Irwin, for a Warm Blast Lamp.

--Mel

borninok

borninok

 

[PBK]

There is nothing on the back and the front has PAT JAN 28 & FEB 25 1879 .

We're on the same page, BorninOK!

​

 

[borninok]

PBK,

Don't know what I ever did before computers...
--Mel

borninok

 

[salty dog]

Thanks everyone for the input.
Thanks borninok for the link and thanks PBK for the picture.
You guys are really good at research.
I think this is my first item from the 1800's, even though it wasn't a coin, I'm still happy with the find.
I went back yesterday evening and found a 1919 wheat and the back to a pocket watch and the bottom half of a copper small jewelry box or make up box.
I definitely will be going back there.
I appreciate the info.