Silver disk with square shank

[Breezie]

Hey Gang,
I'm not quite sure if this is a cuff link, rosette, or what because the shank is square and thick. It's somewhat large in diameter to be a cuff link, but I have seen them that large. I think it is silver or at least plated silver because it came out of the ground the way it looks now, minus the dirt. I dug it at an mid-1800s home place. Thanks, Breezie

 

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[IronSpike]

Maybe a split nut for a vintage tool:

http://lumberjocks.com/topics/25654

 

[Breezie]

IS, were the shanks square on these types of split nuts? I've found a few saw split nuts, but the shanks on them were round, but I'm not the 'tool time' person, so I don't know. This disk has a lip; basically a raised edge. Were the split nuts flat or did some of them have a raised edge? Thanks, Breezie

 

[IronSpike]

Breeze you got a point on the rounded split nuts. Interesting that the square shank is also twisted.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

I have an old survey marker that has a similar square twisted shank. Perhaps your item is some kind of marker for masonary or rock?

 

[aquachigger]

I think it is a spanner bolt (saw nut), or at least something like that. I found this on spanner bolt blog.

 

[vhs07]

Possibly a spur button? What the slotted strap would attach to?
Just guessing.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I think it was frozen and the shank broke when someone tried to remove it. Thats why its twisted.

 

[vhs07]

It doesn't look broken to me, although it might not of been made with the twist.

 

[lostcauses]

Possible a hat pin the rod got broke. I belive it was made with the twisted square stock. Makes it more decorative.
Edited to add or a stick pin ..

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

IS, were the shanks square on these types of split nuts? I've found a few saw split nuts, but the shanks on them were round, but I'm not the 'tool time' person, so I don't know. This disk has a lip; basically a raised edge. Were the split nuts flat or did some of them have a raised edge? Thanks, Breezie

Hello Breezie. Do you think its broken? Some saw medallions have the square shank and others are rounded. The square shank prevents spinning. Most of them have a raised edge or lip ..

View attachment 612620

That being said, Im not convinced its a saw medallion but maybe. Could it be a small broken silver concho or horse decoration?

 

[Breezie]

Hey Gang, thanks for all of your replies and ideas. Sorry I'm so late replying, but I haven't been at my computer today. I've taken some detailed pics of the shaft, and I do believe it was broken off. In my first post, I said there was a lip/edge, but that is incorrect, the top surface is completely flat, and very thin as you can see from the pic. If it is a nut for a saw or any other tool, the shank is only 1/8" thick, well, I should say 1/8" thin. The top surface is thin/fragile too. In other words, it almost too fragile to be a work item, but I'll say again, I'm not a tool person, so I don't know.

 

[timekiller]

They've been around awhile here's a pic of one I had that came from a early site.Although I think yours is newer & most likely had a emblem stuck to the front of it.
Take Care,
Pete,

 

[timekiller]

A few others I had laying around.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

It doesnt have to be any stronger than a rivet. Actually I believe the medallion is just decoration.
http://www.disstonianinstitute.com/medezguide.html

 

[tomjiggy]

maybe an early screw type decorative nail. as you lightly hammer it in, due to the twist in it, it screws into the wood.

 

[Breezie]

Thanks to all for the help, and to IS, AChigger, BCH, and Pete for the pics. I can green check this one as a saw nut medallion. Way to go TNetters Breezie

 

[vhs07]

I've twisted off many bolts and screws in my time, but never had it resulted in a completly flat surface.
What are y'all seeing that I don't?

-Charles

 

[Hill Billy]

I have found these before and always thought they were feet that were driven into the bottom of table legs and such for sliding on the floor. The twist in the shank helped hold it in place.
Just a thought

 

[IronSpike]

If silver it's not likely to be a saw medalion. I think the green check is a bit premature