Shipwreck artifact? Need help with ID

[gary s fl]

Haven't got response from the 'What is it' forum, maybe you pros can help out.
Found this brass medallion close to an area where old copper and brass 6" spikes (some broken, and some larger ones) started to appear while detecting for jewelry. It's 49mm (just under 2") dia., approx 1.5mm (1/16") thick and weighs 18.7 grams. Treasure hunter Robert Marx took a quick look at it recently after a talk he gave and thought it was old from the amount of corrosion but he'd never seen anything like it. I thought it may have something to do with surfing but haven't been able to match it. It looks like it was cast. The back side is flat and the front has a mild relief. Oriental? Chinese procelain has been found on a few of the wrecks off the florida coast.Thanks for the help.
Gary

 

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[FISHEYE]

Its a beer bottle cap opener!

 

[gary s fl]

OK, I'll bite. What makes you think it's machined? Do you mean stamped? If so, the person that made the die wasn't very good. I inverted it on to a tracing to see if anything matches up but it doesn't. The relief on the bottom is at least twice as pronounced as the top. Using a 10x loupe I could see that none of the edges are made the same with each having flaws and varying angles. There are fine file looking marks going in every direction on almost every edge.? Last, the eyelet looks like it was applied but it's hard to tell for sure under the corrosion. I no nothing about old world/south american casting methods but I have held a gold artifact found north of Vero Beach that was cast, impeccably made with design and craftsmanship that I doubt few people in the world today could match.
I'm posting this item hoping that someone has seen something like it but also to learn. If your knowledgeable about old world casting, please tell me why you think this isn't cast. Robert Marx did examine it, admittedly quickly, hopefully was honest, and did so without glasses if he needs them, but he didn't hesitate when he said that he thought it was old. I'd love to find out if this is a 19th, 18th or even a 17th century artifact but it won't break my heart if it isn't. Please, anyone with knowledge in this field please chim in or suggest a good web site that teaches about of old world casting methods. Thanks.

 

[mattjd]

looks to be a charm from a necklass. Could be very old. Don't think that it could be dated as it looks to be handmade so it could have been made 100, 200, or 300 years ago but no way of knowing because it probually the only one that was made. That is why no one can identify it. It is a truely unique find. Matt

 

[jeff of pa]

FISHEYE got it right. It IS a Bottle Cap opener

 

[gary s fl]

Thanks jeff and fisheye, now I'm sure it's old. Have a great day.? ?

 

[mattjd]

It IS NOT a bottle cap opener busters!!!? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Matt

 

[jeff of pa]

ALTHO this one ain't the same, it gives you the idea, I HOPE? and Yes I have Seen your type on a Key Chain At A Beer Party in the 70's 8)

 

[gary s fl]

And I thought you guys were joking around. I suppose you could be right except for a couple of points. If this was an opener then it was never used as one. There are no indentations that a steel bottle cap would have left.? Being brass which I believe it to be, it probably would be warped which it isn't, again, unless it was never used. Last, I would think that even a stamped mass produced opener would have been machined more accurately unless it was cheaply made. If you are sincere about your opinion then I appreciate the input. Next step is a visit to the local museum. 8)

 

[jeff of pa]

All I can Say is I'v ABSOLUTELY seen one Being Used as a Bottle Opener in the Early 70's.

Weather that was the Original Purpose, I can only go by the fact FISHEYE said thats what it was, before I even Seen Your Post.

Which to Me anyway, Pretty Much says, Thats What it is .

Let us know, If you hear Different
Jeff

 

[jglunt]

It looks like a mildly stylized pair of "G's". You see the letter right side up or upside down. Goodness Gracious....whadayathink.

 

[minelabex1000]

It's the key to Pharaoh's (elfartos) lost bean cache! Man, I don't know bout youse guys! None of you caught that?!?