Lead cap with star

[Palmetto]

I found this item over 20 years ago and have always wondered what it was. Found on a vacant lot in downtown Orangeburg, SC. Good bit of military history there.
It is lead, about the circumference of a dime and has threaded area on the back. Always thought it may be top to a vial or some small medicinal bottle. The star is what throws me. Any help would be appreciated.

Palmetto

 

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[Chug And Red]

Maybe the top to a flask?

 

[kuger]

Its the cap the a Powder can....gunpowder

 

[Kieth-Tx]

Top of a two-piece button?

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Its the cap the a Powder can....gunpowder

Lead cap from an ointment tube, gunpowder or medicine bottle my guess.

It does look like it would fit nice on this old gunpowder tin.

 

[kuger]

We dig hundreds of them(EI DUPONT,and Hazards)they go on the half pound and one pound cans.I will say I do not have one with a Star,but there were countless Powder producers

 

[Palmetto]

Thanks for the id guys-it is definitely a top and I like the gunpowder connection.
I will green check it.

Palmetto

 

[CC Hunter]

Palmetto,

Thought I would chime in with a reply, as it appears this may be sidetracked just a tad. Of all the powder can caps and tops that I have encountered over the years, including countless dug examples, none with a star motif has ever been noted. Additionally, I cannot ever recall seeing a powder can top (early press-in, or the screw type), of any style, size, or maker, that was smaller than a dime as evidenced by your photos.

My first impression, is that your find is a lead head from a 19th Century construction fastener. I'm not 100% on this theory, as it is merely a hunch based on experience in relic hunting, as well as construction.

Nonetheless, a bit more study on the subject is warranted, to achieve a proper and fitting identification.

CC Hunter

 

[Palmetto]

CC Hunter,
Thanks for the reply. After having a direction, I went online and googled several types of powder cans,flasks,etc and didnt see any top that looked like mine. Not saying it isnt one but all the ones that were posted on the searches were true "screw cap" types.
The construction fastener is a possibility.
Again, the star gives it a military look and dont know why a regular fastner or other would have that on it.
Might uncheck the solved to see if I get any more insight. thanks again.

Palmetto

 

[creskol]

What is the blackish looking center rim made of?

 

[kuger]

CC Hunter,
Thanks for the reply. After having a direction, I went online and googled several types of powder cans,flasks,etc and didnt see any top that looked like mine. Not saying it isnt one but all the ones that were posted on the searches were true "screw cap" types.
The construction fastener is a possibility.
Again, the star gives it a military look and dont know why a regular fastner or other would have that on it.
Might uncheck the solved to see if I get any more insight. thanks again.

Palmetto

Wow!!I jumped the gun,and didnt take into consideration the dime reference....CC is a personal friend and my mentor so glad he came on.I found a reference to Star powder,but none like I was looking for.I do not beleive it is a stopper as I assumed.I will take a pic of the type of stopper I was eluding to,which by the way I have never found a good pic on line either

Here is a pic I had in my library already,to give you an idea.I need to take a picture of one flattened so you will see why I thought what you had was one of these

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Yes but thats a big dime on my screen. I go with ointment cap because you said it has threads..

 

[kuger]

HMMMM,CC,might want to check yours I never measured one but you got my curiosity up....so I did,I am not to far off.That being said,it probably isnt what I thought it was

 

[Palmetto]

Ok-I may have misled a few earlier as I had the cap listed as lead-never thought about it but after this post started thinking it does not have the same white oxidization as lead normally does. It is definitely the same density, and would be pliable with pliers or such. I did an air test on my v3 and it came up as 22 on the VDI-that is in the nickel range.
Dont know if it makes too much of a difference only that it may eliminate the powder can top and put it more into a vial or smaller bottle top category.

 

[NGE]

Pewter or pot-metal is my guess........NGE

 

[turtlefoot13]

Winchester made Foster style shotgun slugs with stars on them back in the 1970's or so (and possibly earlier). Is it possibly a .410 or 28ga slug?

 

[DirtDigler]

As fate would have it, I was working on a old tin roof today and saw quite a few lead heads. This item does look like a lead head from a roofing nail. This type of nail had a lead cover over the nail head. As the nail was driven flush, the lead would be squeezed against the roof and form a tight seal to the tin, preventing leaks. Often the lead heads pop off and fall to the ground confusing the lives of metal detectives.

The star is curious though. Haven't seen one like that, but it wouldn't suprise me if there is a Star Nail Co. out there. I'd think you will find more in the area. Not likely that just one would survive.

 

[Palmetto]

That is probably the most logical explanation given its metal compostion, size,etc. It does appear to have threaded grooves way inside but they may be more of a "grip" feature.
I agree the star is unusual and there could have been more there-old, vacant lot that I am sure had sturcture of some sort on it in the past-I was just getting started in relic hunting back then (1991) and I did not know the machine very well and was not finding alot!!
Thanks for the input!

Palmetto

 

[kuger]

given the fact this one has evidence of smashing...if it were a nail cover,the star would be distorted as well

 

[turtlefoot13]

Never even thought of a "lead head" off of a nail. The star threw me. I'm sure you are right.

Doug