Strange Eyeball Find in Mid-1800s Field

[BuckleBoy]

Hello All,

Just when I think I've just about seen it all, either dug in person or seen it at relic shows or posted online... then the whatzits come.

Well, I've dug a few whatzits all at once, so I'm posting them here.

This small item is made of agate, or stone, or glass, or something synthetic. It came from an early to mid-1800s field, but we have occasionally found items dating to the early 1900s there, going as late as marbles from the 40s.

I have no clue on this little stone minieball-shaped thing. Hoping for some help.


Top view:




Side view:




Bottom view:

 

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[DCMatt]

Is it broken or is there evidence of how it was mounted to something?

DCMatt

 

[BuckleBoy]

Is it broken or is there evidence of how it was mounted to something?

DCMatt

The piece does not appear to be broken. It was perhaps mounted via the tiny hole in the bottom, or perhaps glued? Very strange to look down and see a purple minieball in the field.

 

[DCMatt]

It is a piece of banded agate - popular in Victorian era jewelry. This could be the center of a brooch.



DCMatt

 

[BuckleBoy]

Ahhh, yes Banded Agate is correct I think. Awful pointy for a brooch, but could very well be.