Hey guys, new to the forum here. Mojjax when I saw your photo of the strange item it rang a bell with me. It looks like the chinscales off of a turn of the century war helmet. There would be one on each side, and connect under the chin. I don't think it is German or Prussian however. The Piklehaube helmets had different type attachment points instead of just a thin post. However, the French version of the chinscales were connected to the helmet/hat with just a thin post like the one on the back of the rounded piece of your whats-it. I began to think about the way in which your item was found, and some things occured to me. 1) Such things would be valuable souveniers to whoever acquired them, thus it being sealed in a jar. 2) Being in a cellar hole, the era seems about correct (may be wrong on this) 3) The French chinscales of this era were made of nickel plated brass. 4) The number of "levels" of the scales is 14, just like yours. 5) The leather backing is a dead ringer, as another leather strap was worn underneath and this is what would actually contact the cheek/chin. 6) The small piece of leather at the end which is uncovered probably held a small buckle at one time. 7)The general pattern of the scales is also a dead ringer. 8) Based on your last picture with the item in your hand, the scale of the item seems about right. Anyway, just wanted to put in my two cents, and try and help you out. I've been trolling this awesome forum for about 2 months now, and decided to register. You guys seem like a really solid community and thats great. Sorry for the long winded first post and Good Luck!
