Small Decorative Brass Piece

[Kiros32]

I found this at the cellar hole that HalfDime, DrDetector and I have been hunting for a while. I found the flat brass piece first, then rechecked the hole and found the back piece. I was able to determine that the pin/hook looking piece was once attached to the back of the flat piece. What I can't figure out is if this was a clothing decoration of some sort, ie pin, brooch, how would it fasten to the clothing? Button cover perhaps?

Any ideas?

 

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[jopher]

Sure looks like it would be inserted through a button hole.
Would like to see the plate cleaned up....there is some design to it??

 

[Mackaydon]

wick holder for a kerosene lantern and dress shirt stud

 

[curbdiggercarl57]

Has that collar pin look to it, although it would be a large one for that purpose. Is there any inscription on the face?

 

[Kiros32]

I think DCMatt figured this one out, but I don't imagine I will be able to find a photo of the exact design.

Lapel Stud – this term refers to a campaign item that is meant to be worn through the hole in the lapel. The backside has a metal shank that is designed to hold the item in a lapel hole. There are forms of lapel studs that look like a pinback button from the front, but the back is made like a stud. The late 1800’s and early 1900’s is where this type of campaign item is most prolific.

Thanks Matt!

 

[Jimmy@romega]

It looks like a piece from an old oil lamp. The slot up top is where the wick comes out and you can use the dial on the side to bring it up or down.