✅ SOLVED What is this? Civil War or what?

[gdigga]

My wife found this on Friday at a Civil War site where we have found things like bullets, buckles, fragments, horse shoes, and grapeshot. But what is this thing? The main part looks iron (top hole is square, bottom of hole is round with no threading). The other parts seems to be copper? The S hook looks like it used to swivel but the hole is too rusted now. This was found on a ridge without any water within a mile or so btw and not a house site. Any ideas?

 

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[sutphin]

Looks like a nipple cap?Vanzutphen

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

It is the iron end of a civil war era British Enfield rifle's nipple-protector. As its name implies, it fit over the rifle's nipple when the rifle was not in use, to protect the thin projecting nipple from damage. The protective iron circle was held by a brass chain, which attached to the rifle's trigger-guard. See photos below.

 

[gdigga]

Thanks for your inputs, seems like you all are correct, thanks! My wife is very excited!