What is it

[mattgaudian]

I’ve been detecting a 1850’s 60’s fort. I’ve found eagle buttons, arrowheads, bullets and personal items. I found this item. I’m not sure what the purpose of it would be.

 

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[Bruce R]

Almost looks like it could’ve been part of a shoe cleat.

 

[DCMatt]

Is it broken? May we see the broken edges?

I assume it is made of brass?

 

[mattgaudian]

Is it broken? May we see the broken edges?

I assume it is made of brass?

I’m not sure it’s broken. It rang up in the 50’s on my at max so I don’t know what metal it is.

 

[DCMatt]

I’m not sure it’s broken. It rang up in the 50’s on my at max so I don’t know what metal it is.

No question in my mind that it is broken. Based on size and the nice, clean hole drilled in it, I'm guessing it is part of a field made button. Note that the "teeth" around the edge are not uniform. Also pretty confident the hole was drilled after the item was cast.

Lay the item on a piece of paper and trace the arch. Then move and continue to trace until you get a circle. Is the size consistent with a button from the era?

I've snapped/broken buttons like that where they fasten my suspenders to the back of my reenactment/living history trousers.

 

[nhbenz]

Heel plate, I’d guess, like here: http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/163523-heel-plate.html

 

[nhbenz]

I’m not sure if the date stated is accurate or not on the one here: http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/t...ess-accoutrement-heel-plate-other-relics.html

 

[DCMatt]

Heel plate, I’d guess, like here: http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/163523-heel-plate.html

Heel plate looks right. It's better than my guess. That would also explain the odd placement of the hole. But the fragment is so small...

I have heel plates (cleats) on my brogans and they fill the palm of my hand.

Maybe it's for lady's shoes?

 

[CRUSADER]

Agreed heel plate was my first thought.