unknown device

[jhamner]

Hello,
Can someone please help me identify this little device. I have found maybe half a dozen of these over the last several years, mostly in areas where Civil War artifacts were found. Some have traces of silver plate.
Are these Civil War related or not, and what was their purpose?
Thanks in advance!

 

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[Mr Lancaster]

I very we'll could be wrong, but I believe that's a clip to hold bandages together after wrapped around a limb.

 

[jhamner]

Sounds very possible to me! It is, however, very thick gauge metal unlike the bandage clips we use today. Who knows? They made everything better back in those days!
Thanks so much for your reply.

 

[GatorBoy]

Looks like the side plate to a small pulley.
It may have been plated but I doubt it was silver.

 

[Goldiver]

It appears to be a brass tip for straps on a leather horse bridle or other horse tack.

http://www.greybirdrelics.com/bridle%20tip.JPG

Steve

 

[jhamner]

Looks like the side plate to a small pulley.
It may have been plated but I doubt it was silver.

Yes--some of them just had faint traces of silver plate.

 

[jhamner]

It appears to be a brass tip for straps on a leather horse bridle or other horse tack.

http://www.greybirdrelics.com/bridle tip.JPG

Steve

Thanks, Steve--I think that's the baby! Do you know what era these were from? Thanks!

 

[dasabighole]

Saddle shield, decoration on leather.Early piece I find them on 1790-1820s period sites.