Mystery brass item

[Ripcon]

Here is a brass item I found yesterday in west central Mississippi. I found it along side other civil war period relics - A Burnside carbine cartridge, leather rivets, melted/chewed bullets, so I feel it is from the war as well. It appears to be a scabbard finial to may a dagger(?). Along the top are "S" shaped snake or serpent images. It almost looks ancient. But who knows.
Any help with a positive i.d. on what this is or any guesses? Thanks.

 

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[Ripcon]

2 more photos of mystery brass item

Here's a top view and a close up of the Snake/Serpent "S" shaped images at the top of the piece.

 

[Kray Gelder]

Interesting find. I don't know what it is, but because of that wicked point on it, I doubt it would be anything worn, or anywhere near where a person could jab themselves on it. Unless the rounded tip has broken off, then you may be on the right track. Good luck.

 

[Ripcon]

Interesting find. I don't know what it is, but because of that wicked point on it, I doubt it would be anything worn, or anywhere near where a person could jab themselves on it. Unless the rounded tip has broken off, then you may be on the right track. Good luck.

That is a sharp point on the end. It almost looks like something that was fashioned in the field for some purpose. Thanks for the response.

 

[mcmich]

maybe the end of a candle snuffer?

 

[Ripcon]

maybe the end of a candle snuffer?

I believe you may very well be right about the candle snuffer. Thanks for your guess, I've been looking up various candle snuffers and that seems to be a plausible guess as to what it is. It also answers the question why the decorations on the top and sides.

 

[Nathan6309]

Might be a civil war bayonet scabbard cover point of some kind. Could also be a finial I guess.

 

[A2coins]

cool whatever it is old relic