UBO (Unidentified Brass Object) from 1862 Union Camp

[parsonwalker]

Whaddaya think? Old, or modern? Found in Union Camp I hunt surrounded by plenty of CW items. But this one has me stumped. Made of thick red brass. I mean very stout. Not a thin sheet. Appears to be made to bear considerable stress. On the back (?) between the round hole and the oval hole, is stamped a "10" and then a "1 1/2". Anybody identify please?

 

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[SkaBa]

Bottle opener?

 

[Sharpshovel]

Looks old. If I had to throw a guess id say it's one of two handles off something

 

[Tony in SC]

I would say it's a handle from a heavy wooden chest. The hole is countersunk for a flathead wood screw. Tony

 

[Hendo0601]

If that is a handle for a heavy trunk I sure don't want to be lifting it...according to the tape measure the width of the opening is mighty small, maybe enough room for one finger. This screams bottle opener to me, but that's probably not right. Almost looks like a "cleat" of sorts used for lashing something down, like like a strap or webbing went through the opening and was used as an anchor point.

 

[parsonwalker]

If that is a handle for a heavy trunk I sure don't want to be lifting it...according to the tape measure the width of the opening is mighty small, maybe enough room for one finger. This screams bottle opener to me, but that's probably not right. Almost looks like a "cleat" of sorts used for lashing something down, like like a strap or webbing went through the opening and was used as an anchor point.

Hendo, I was thinking the same thing. Lashing point even for perhaps a saddle cinch strap. It was found near a spot where the Intrepid balloon supposedly went up. But that's wishful thinking!!!!

Everybody - it DOES look like a bottle opener, but what a huge waste of a LOT of metal for such a task. Still COULD be that. I should try it out.

The handle theory is good if you've not handled it. But when you stick a couple fingers in there, not only is it pretty small, but the edge you'd be lifting against is sharp and would bite into you darn quick.

 

[Sheperdess]

In the first picture the center looks like it could be worn smoother than the sides so maybe a strap has worn this part of it to some extent.

 

[Kevo_DFX]

I think it's from a strap on a munitions box. Heavy enough to take some weight, but not big enough for a chest or footlocker or something. This is all conjecture. Brass does not spark.

 

[DCMatt]

Strap loop of some kind. This one is from a wagon (modern).

 

[parsonwalker]

Thanks all.

 

[bulrush]

Bottle opener for sure. I grew up with these. You can screw this one to wood, like a wooden bar or cupboard near your fridge.