✅ SOLVED Is this a toe plate?

[Hoosier Digger]

I found this at a homesite that was established around 1860. Surprisingly it was a surface find. It has a nice green patina on the side that was exposed. I believe it is a toe plate, but since I'm a newbie, I really don't know for sure. Secondly, if it is a toe plate, does anyone have an idea of what period it is from? Thanks.

 

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[TheCannonballGuy]

Answering your two questions:
Yes, it is a protector for the toe end of a shoe's leather sole.
It was invented and patented in 1859. Some of them have the Patent-date stamped into the brass, like the example in the photo below, marked "Pat. Nov.29, 1859."


Time-dating yours:
Of course, they were manufactured for many decades after the Patent-date. Ones made during the patent's "lifespan" (at that time, 14 to 17 years), they were marked with the Patent-date. After the patent expired, anybody could manufacture them without having to pay the inventor a fee, so there was no need for patent marking after it had expired. Look closely to see if yours has the Patent-date. If not, it was made sometime after November 1876.

 

[Hoosier Digger]

Thank you so much. I had already looked for a date and could not find one, so now I at least have a beginning point. Again, thanks. I'm always impressed with the knowledge level of the contributors on this forum!