Need ID help on unusual colonial item

[Bill D. (VA)]

Found this interesting brass piece yesterday along with a boatload of colonial buttons and coins. At first glance I thought it might be part of an early sword guard, but I have my doubts. Any ideas?

 

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[TomPA]

Here's an "idea" Bill. It looks like there was a circular opening up at the top that a small diameter rod could have gone through. Maybe there was a similar opening type hole at the base as well that the rod would have run down into. It then could have been pushed into the ground as a grave marker or for something else. It does give the impression of "Resting In Peace". Hey, you asked for ideas!

 

[Silver Searcher]

Pretty sure that's a Bridal Boss, or Harness Mount..17thC....nice find. There a several similar ones on the UKFD.

SS

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Pretty sure that's a Bridal Boss, or Harness Mount..17thC....nice find. There a several similar ones on the UKFD.

SS

I'll check that out SS - thanks. But I would expect to see hooks or some attachment device. Maybe those parts are broken off.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Pretty sure that's a Bridal Boss, or Harness Mount..17thC....nice find. There a several similar ones on the UKFD. SS

I checked that website SS and could not find anything similar to mine. If you could direct me to a specific reference it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ..... Bill

 

[creskol]

I have seen similar on those Victorian era gaudy and very ornate cast brass clocks and picture frames.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

I have seen similar on those Victorian era gaudy and very ornate cast brass clocks and picture frames.

Rob - this item was dug in the footprint of a structure that was occupied between the 1640s and the very early 1800s so all finds should date to that time period.

 

[Silver Searcher]

I checked that website SS and could not find anything similar to mine. If you could direct me to a specific reference it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ..... Bill

Bill...some of the bridal bosses had several different holdings, some had three hole mounting, some two, and also like yours some had two pierced peripheral lugs for attachment. The cherub face was quite popular also, but yours seems a bit more elaborate than most. The one in the third link was a find of mine a few years back.

UK Finds Database - - - UKDFD UK Finds Database - - - UKDFD UK Finds Database - - - UKDFD

 

[Klclark3]

Something like this bill?

 

[Klclark3]

Kind of scooped on the backside about the width of a baseball.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Bill...some of the bridal bosses had several different holdings, some had three hole mounting, some two, and also like yours some had two pierced peripheral lugs for attachment. The cherub face was quite popular also, but yours seems a bit more elaborate than most. The one in the third link was a find of mine a few years back. UK Finds Database - - - UKDFD UK Finds Database - - - UKDFD UK Finds Database - - - UKDFD

Thanks SS. I'm sure that my piece is a bridal boss or harness decoration, but I'm still a little stumped since I can't see where any attachment points were. But mine is broken off on both sides so that may explain things. Be nice to see an exact example of this style, but guess this will have to do for now. Thanks again for your help.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Something like this bill?

That piece does have some similarities in size, design and type of material used. Thanks for posting.