Looks like silver

[bilt46]

I found this a few months back and think it might be silver, I found this just west of downtown chicago....
BILLT

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector, Waterproof Gold Detector, Pinpoint & Terrain Modes, Professional Metal Detector - Grab it through Amazon!

[Charmin]

I have a book called "Indian Trade Relics" by Lar Hothem.......There are some similar items in it called "brooches" made from trade silver during the 1700's and 1800's. They measure approx. 2 1/2" across. At one time maybe your brooch had a fastening pin to attach it to the garment? But there are also some things in the book called "ear-wheels" that have a cut-out design like your piece, so I don't know.
Whatever it is, its a very neat find!
I found a trade-brooch on an old homesite, but it was just the plain, round ring brooch. It was still a thrill to find it. I think mine belonged to an Osage family.

 

[bilt46]

I have a book called "Indian Trade Relics" by Lar Hothem.......There are some similar items in it called "brooches" made from trade silver during the 1700's and 1800's. They measure approx. 2 1/2" across. At one time maybe your brooch had a fastening pin to attach it to the garment? But there are also some things in the book called "ear-wheels" that have a cut-out design like your piece, so I don't know.
Whatever it is, its a very neat find!
I found a trade-brooch on an old homesite, but it was just the plain, round ring brooch. It was still a thrill to find it. I think mine belonged to an Osage family.

Thank You very much for the info, Do you hav a pic of your brooch? BILLT.

 

[Charmin]

I have a book called "Indian Trade Relics" by Lar Hothem.......There are some similar items in it called "brooches" made from trade silver during the 1700's and 1800's. They measure approx. 2 1/2" across. At one time maybe your brooch had a fastening pin to attach it to the garment? But there are also some things in the book called "ear-wheels" that have a cut-out design like your piece, so I don't know.
Whatever it is, its a very neat find!
I found a trade-brooch on an old homesite, but it was just the plain, round ring brooch. It was still a thrill to find it. I think mine belonged to an Osage family.

Thank You very much for the info, Do you hav a pic of your brooch? BILLT.

Here's my little brooch. Its not near as cool as yours, but was a fantastic find for me here in Okla.
The old homesite where my brooch was found turned up all kinds of neat things(an Indian Police uniform button, trigger guard for a pistol, part of a set of handcuffs).

You might ask some of those guys over in the fur trade section of TNet(if you haven't already?)--they could probably tell you a whole lot more about your find.

 

[bilt46]

That is a Very Nice display you have sandcreek4, your brooch is beautiful.. I will try the fur trade section....
Thanks BILLT.

 

[mile-ender]

Ear wheel
http://www.bobsphotogallery.com/gallery2/v/FurTrade/RCEarWheel/