I think BR's got it. The mine I worked at had DC powered trolly locomotives and all the electric contacts in the points in those where made of silver. The guy's that worked in the Loci shop would scrap the silver off of those. Back in the 80s when some of the mom & pop uranium mines where in operation when the contacts would burnout they'd just braze a pre-65 quarter or dime on the points instead of paying the high price of OEM replacement parts.
Thanks for your answers!!!! Sorry forgot to give more information!!! Material is brass, size 1/4 x 1 1/4 in!!! They were attached to the leather, and they worn out from one side!!! I don't think that was part of any switches(because of leather)!!! Mummytrol!!!