Keyhole Cover? Book Latch?

[Indian Steve]

This little brass piece was found in the front yard of a 1816 house in Southwest Virginia. I first thought it was a keyhole cover but after cleaning it up, I am thinking maybe a book latch? What Is It?

 

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[Indian Steve]

The house and property are owned by the local historical society. They are in the process of demo/ restoration of the original 1816 house and 1817 granary building. DeepseekerADS and I hunted for a couple of hours in the yard and everything {including pull tabs} that was dug goes to them. So far nothing that is as old as the house has been found but we are hopeful.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

We also found quite a few square and cut nails. door hinges, and Steve found an old lantern base. I found a zincoln and Steve found a clad dime.

Everything we find here goes to the historical society, and they got an eleven cent donation today!

We will continue helping them. It's nice to be appreciated as crazy detectorists!

 

[Indian Steve]

Doesn't anybody have an idea about this piece? I thought it was my find of the day.

 

[Kray Gelder]

Doesn't anybody have an idea about this piece? I thought it was my find of the day.

Hey Steve, your unknown piece was my search project last night. For over an hour, I searched for lock, latch, hasp related pieces, lock strikes, key hole plates, old trunk pieces, cabinet and desk hardware, and came up empty. I also think it's key hole, or lock related, but unfortunately struck out. Good luck man, gave it my best shot.

 

[Indian Steve]

Thanks Krey Gelder! I found this behind the remains of the stone wall at the front of the property where the sidewalk from the house came out. It looks so familiar but I just can't name it.

 

[MidMoTreasure]

I am thinking more garter/suspender clip than keyhole cover, gents.