✅ SOLVED Mystery "Pull" Item

[mtnbay]

I have found several of these mystery items in old mining camps and homesteads in Arizona and California. These sites range from the 1850's to the 1890's. This is probably the 10th or so one I have found and I have no idea what this thing is. It seems like it is made of steel. I have taken a picture of it next to a penny for scale. Thanks for any help I can get.

 

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[Madmox]

That is half a clasp. The other side has a little knob that would pop into it to hold a flap closed. Common on military bags and whatnot from the WW1 and 2 era. I'll see if I can find a picture of one.


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[Madmox]

Here are some still on an ammunition belt and canteen

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[Charlie P. (NY)]

I think it's called a "lift-the-dot" fastener and was 20th century.

 

[mtnbay]

Thank you gents! It is quite possible each site had activity going into the 20th century as there are roads going through the area that were in use up until the 1930's or so. Much appreciated.

 

[VTColonialDigger]

I also found one of these at a church (now public library) and wondered what it was