Old, ornate brass thingy

[kyphote]

I dug the below brass item today at a Confederate camp that sits atop a Colonial site. NOTE: I dug both pieces together and assume they're part of the same. This said, I have no idea when it was made or what it might have been used for. In the photograph, I positioned the broken piece where I assume it belongs (can't say for sure though). Thanks in advance for shedding any light...

 

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[CRUSADER]

Clearly furniture related & older than the CW

 

[Silver Searcher]

Clearly furniture related & older than the CW

Meatloaf

SS

 

[mile-ender]

Clearly furniture related & older than the CW

Meatloaf

SS

 

[kyphote]

So the best guess I've received thus far is meatloaf. This is going to be tougher than I thought.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

So the best guess I've received thus far is meatloaf. This is going to be tougher than I thought.

lol

 

[burglarifyoulike]

i found something very similar to this about 2 months ago in WV. it had the 3 holes and curved section. my dad came up with the idea that it was perhaps a window pull. sorry i don't have a picture, i left it at my parents' home in WV.

 

[ipsilateral]

This appears to be a latch such as one you would see on a wood box.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

This appears to be a latch such as one you would see on a wood box.

Im just guessing but it does resemble a latch from a wooden box or book. Here is a pic of a more modern version. The little knob could be a snap or a hook latch. But I cant quite figure it all out.

 

[kyphote]

As an appraiser specializing in early-Amercan furniture, I know I must have had exposure to a similar item. The fact that I haven't is all the more frustrating .

 

[Breezie]

I think it is the foot (bottom corner piece) of a small old trunk. Are you sure it is brass? Breezie

 

[kyphote]

I think it is the foot (bottom corner piece) of a small old trunk. Are you sure it is brass? Breezie

Yes, it's definitely brass. Didn't spend a whole of time cleaning. It did remind me of a corner brace of some sort. I've sent it to a friend at the Virginia Historical Society and will let you know what he says. Thanks all!

 

[Silver Searcher]

Clearly furniture related & older than the CW

Meatloaf

SS

As in...you took the words right out of my mouth try singing it

SS

 

[Breezie]

I think it is the foot (bottom corner piece) of a small old trunk. Are you sure it is brass? Breezie

Yes, it's definitely brass. Didn't spend a whole of time cleaning. It did remind me of a corner brace of some sort. I've sent it to a friend at the Virginia Historical Society and will let you know what he says. Thanks all!

Since it is brass, it's probably NOT a foot to a small trunk. Breezie

 

[CRUSADER]

This appears to be a latch such as one you would see on a wood box.

Im just guessing but it does resemble a latch from a wooden box or book. Here is a pic of a more modern version. The little knob could be a snap or a hook latch. But I cant quite figure it all out.

I think this a good possibility.

Assuming it is bent out of shape (looks like a ploughed field find or forced off the item it was screwed to).
The shell shape would point down when screwed on the box/casket/tea caddy & the popper piece would lock nicely on the raised knob Which would leave the design showing.