✅ SOLVED Metal object from 1850s homesite

[Hoosier Digger]

Metal object from 1850's homesite

I don't even know enough to know how to title this post. Found this at an 1850's homesite in Indiana. It obviously has a green patina. There is a recessed area with two small holes which I believe held an inlaid shield of some sort. There is a small metal fold over clasp on each side of the back, so it appears it clipped over something. Other than that I can give you no clues. As always, all of your comments are welcome and appreciated.

 

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[Hoosier Digger]

I'm not sure why the pictures posted twice. Sorry!

 

[ARC]

part of a "hanging wall paper clip"
AKA... paperclip...
Hung on the wall and held paper/envelopes ? ? ?

 

[SkaBa]

Golf divot tool.

 

[Hoosier Digger]

AARC, I've not seen anything like that. I googled it and didn't find anything that looked like this, so I'm not sure.

 

[Hoosier Digger]

SkaBa, I agree it has the general shape of a divot tool, but I have a hard time believing that's what it is. But perhaps you are right. Thanks.

 

[sutphin]

SUSPENDER BUCKLE??

 

[Hoosier Digger]

At first I thought it was something like that, but now I really don't. There really is no place for the suspender to run. But I'll still consider it.

 

[Itsmine]

It looks like a plate that would fit on the front of a cast iron stove. The slot could be where the handle went. The shield above would have something on it like, fb for front burner, or rb......or rf and lf, indicating which burner would ignite.....Just a guess, though....

 

[Bitdrop]

The first thing I saw when I looked at this was the resemblance to the front plate of an old lock. It looks like it's missing a bit of metal above the biggest hole where the oval would have been completed.

 

[Hoosier Digger]

Hmm, that's an interesting thought, Bitdrop. I honestly can't tell if a piece is broken off the bottom or if this truly is to tabs. My first impression was that it was just two tabs hanging down. I am still not sure. I could see that, though.

 

[DCMatt]

My first thought was 'license plate topper'.

 

[RichieRich]

my first thought was a key, however I could see it being a divot tool. Nice dig

 

[Hoosier Digger]

I have to admit, that has the closest look so far, although it is a little larger than what I found and pas a complete loop on the bottom. I'm still not sure that is it, but I'm glad you responded. Thanks!

 

[Hoosier Digger]

Richie Rich, how far back in time were divot tools being used? I don't golf so have never personally seen/handled a divot tool. The tabs that project down on this are this and fairly flexible. Is that the case with a divot tool? I look at divot tools and I can't figure out how they are used, so I don't know how strong the projecting tabs need to be.

 

[relic lover]

it definitely resembles a divot tool but there is no way on earth that's what it is in my opinion. It almost looks like the end may have been closed at one time like something might have broken off.

 

[Bitdrop]

Just realized that the outline that looks a bit like a shield on the front looks exactly like the US forest service logo...

 

[relic lover]

I can't get it out of my head. This is what it is. I know it doesn't make perfect sense.

 

[Hoosier Digger]

I now see what you're talking about Relic Lover, but I just don't know. I'm still not ready to call this one solved because although many of the suggestions look and sound plausible, I just can't accept any of them just yet. I'm going to keep looking and keep fielding suggestions, but I love what people have offered.

 

[relic lover]

I agree it's definitely not solved yet