Relic Hunt Yields Interesting piece of an Item

[Professor of Engineering]

Hello Everyone,

I went out in the cold to dig a little and found this interesting item. I'm thinking a part from an old firearm or perhaps a lock cover plate?

Any help in the identification of this item would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for looking.

Happy New Year and have a Great 2019 Hunting Season.

Regards,

Doc

Update: I have been studying the piece and it appears to be Labelled GR with no M as thought before.

 

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[huntsman53]

Looks like a piece to a Patch Box Cover for a Muzzleloading Rifle and based on the stampings, it is likely from a British Rifle used during the Revolutionary War or War of 1812.

 

[Icewing]

It's a key hole cover for a padlock. The Crown and VR were used by several lock makers and stood for Victoria Regina (Queen Victoria)

https://www.bing.com/images/search?...-10&sk=&cvid=D59E7A02BBCA498E8A4CC96A88E91288

 

[smokeythecat]

Yes, it's a keyhole cover for a padlock, Icewing nailed it. Queen Victoria started her reign in 1839.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Hello Icewing,

Would they use the markings on a lock plate as in this piece; "GR"?

Thank you,

Doc

 

[smokeythecat]

Yes, Professor. It was British owned before 1839.

 

[dirtlooter]

very cool find, the quick id helped to prove it is a great relic find

 

[huntsman53]

Yes, Professor. It was British owned before 1839.

You and Icewing are probably correct but as Professor noted, it is stamped "MGR" not "VR" as the lock covers show.

 

[Silvermonkey]

That's a very interesting piece you recovered Doc. Happy New Year's to you too!

 

[Icewing]

Can you post a clear picture of the front?

I did find an example of a padlock that has the crown over GR which refers to King George (George Rex)



[Rex means reigning King - Regina means reigning Queen]

 

[coinman123]

Definitely a padlock made under the reign of King George, those marks indicate that it was patented under his reign. Here is a photo of a lock with a similar keyhole cover.




Edit: Icewing beat me to it by four minutes!

 

[Whyme]

Very cool find! Congrats!

 

[Possum]

Really great save Doc, congrats!!! "D"

 

[A2coins]

Doc great job my friend what a grest display piece. Well done my friend

 

[CRUSADER]

Can you post a clear picture of the front?

I did find an example of a padlock that has the crown over GR which refers to King George (George Rex)

View attachment 1664253

[Rex means reigning King - Regina means reigning Queen]

 

[sprailroad]

Always good and willing help on T-Net.

 

[Reanm8er]

Congrats Doc, great find!

An old friend found one something like this that he later determined was the lock cover from a messenger's valise.

Best wishes and good luck!

 

[Lanny in AB]

Nicely done, and all the best,

Lanny

 

[EdHartzel]

You know what that means Doc- go back and hammer those low tones to find the lock itself!!! Really neat find, and great ID!

 

[VOL1266-X]

It is very interesting Prof. Most likely a patchbox cover as has been said. WTG, Q.