Unusual Brass Pin Found Today!

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Found this today in the front yard of the Town Hall. It's signed by the maker and looks as if the pin at the back might have originally been straight out from the back as opposed to bent at a 45 degree angle?

If anyone can tell me it's original function, age or is familiar with the maker, I'd very much appreciate it!

History
Built in 1859 the former East-Whitby Town Hall. The Town Hall was used as a hall for the community of Columbus and the office and Chambers for the East-Whitby Township until 1973.

Thanks,
Dave

 

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[High Plains Digger]

Almost looks like it was ment to be that way, but Breezie can tell you for sure! A rose by any other name...........

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Almost looks like it was ment to be that way, but Breezie can tell you for sure! A rose by any other name...........

Thanks HPD!
I look forward to hearing what Breezie thinks about this.
Dave

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

It's been suggested that this might be a Hat Pin?

What do you all think?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[AU24K]

Furniture slipcover pin?

Best,
Scott

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

its form and construction is very similar to a civil war Military variety of cape-pin (cape-clasp), a device which held the two sides of the cape together at the wearer's neck. On the definitely-Military version, the disc is a goldplated eagle-button which does NOT have a button loop, but instead has a long iron wire which shaped similarly to the brass wire on yours.

The emblem on yours is not "distinctively" Military ...but similar-looking ones (with oak leaves arranged like a 5-point star) have been dug in civil war Military sites.

You said "looks as if the pin at the back might have originally been straight out from the back as opposed to bent at a 45 degree angle?" On a cape-pin, the wire goes "sideways" immediately after coming out of the back of the disc. I think your disc's wire is in more-or-less its original position.

As I mentioned, its form and construction is very similar to a civil war era cape-pin ...but it may be for some other type of clothing. For example, it might be a shawl-pin.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I was thinking cape pin.

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Furniture slipcover pin?

Best,
Scott

Thanks for your suggestion Scott!
Dave

its form and construction is very similar to a civil war Military variety of cape-pin (cape-clasp), a device which held the two sides of the cape together at the wearer's neck. On the definitely-Military version, the disc is a goldplated eagle-button which does NOT have a button loop, but instead has a long iron wire which shaped similarly to the brass wire on yours.

The emblem on yours is not "distinctively" Military ...but similar-looking ones (with oak leaves arranged like a 5-point star) have been dug in civil war Military sites.

You said "looks as if the pin at the back might have originally been straight out from the back as opposed to bent at a 45 degree angle?" On a cape-pin, the wire goes "sideways" immediately after coming out of the back of the disc. I think your disc's wire is in more-or-less its original position.

As I mentioned, its form and construction is very similar to a civil war era cape-pin ...but it may be for some other type of clothing. For example, it might be a shawl-pin.

Very interesting CannonballGuy! I'd never thought of a cape or shawl pin, of course I'm not as 'up' on ladies attire as some of the guys here! I think it's amazing that the manufactures of these pieces over 100 years ago were proud enough of their creations to stamp their names on it!

Best of luck to you,
Dave

I was thinking cape pin.

Thanks buddy! I sure wish Breezie would take a look at this and give me her opinion.
Dave