What is this?? Found it diving

[offcoursetoo]

I found this about 20 years ago while diving about 6 miles off the coast of Destin, Fla.. what is it and where did it come from. Who made it?? through the years, I had heard a different idea from as many people that has seen it. all locals and family, this is the first time I have gotten serious about it and put it out in the world for others to look at. Here are views of both sides

 

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[BjC]

any chance on a pic of the other side? interesting...

 

[nhbenz]

Nice find Offcourse! Looks well made. Any markings? I'd think someone who took the time to make an ornate piece like that would mark it. What else did you find at that site?

 

[gldhntr]

another guess would be possibly very nice pocket compass case ?

 

[Monty]

A filigree pocket watch front cover? Monty

 

[offcoursetoo]

What about the small bale?

Doc

Doc, I have both sides posted now, maybe this will help, Not sure what you mean about a bale.

 

[Illinois Jeff]

I am no jewelry pro but i think it is from the late 1800's to early 1900's. Very ornate and is not casted. The rim on the back appears to have been shaped by hammering which was very common back then. Who ever made it put a lot of time into this. It also looks to be hand soldered as well.

 

[Monty]

Now that I have seen the back I don't think it's a pocket watch cover, so never mind! Got no idea. I imagine some folks did smell foul back then before deoderant was in use and they only bathed about once a month! Monty

 

[Chagy]

What material it is made off it looks very European 1800s.
Do some research on the location where you found it and see if there is any shipwrecks in the area.

Best,

Chagy.............

 

[Burdie]

It looks European to me also. Nice find. Burdie

 

[dg39]

Not a vinegarette for sure. Have had several, They are normally a box shape,with an ornate cover and a second screen or grill inside from the early 1800's. Is the material brass? Could be a hankie holder? Weird thought. And then I'm thinking 1920-30's if brass. Good mind stimulator.

 

[offcoursetoo]

good ideas for sure, European. It was pointed out to me that there appears to be four shapes in the circle that seem to ressemble dolphins or porposes. They point outward. anybody see this?? would that mean anything ? I have looked very close, there are no markings of any kind as to a maker .

 

[grouper]

One other thought. Women used to wear scarves around their neck and use a style of this type to put the scarf through and placed the jewelry peice by their neck. A watch holder has a pin to attach to clothing, and this doesn't that is why I think it's for a scarf. The other part or the bale was if they wished to wear it as a necklace. I don't know the name of them but they were very common in the European areas even in the early 1970's. (the style or function of the jewelry, not this particular peice is what I'm referring to.)

 

[dg39]

Here is an example of a Civil War era Circa: 1860-70 Vinnigarette from a collection I purchased up in Mass. years ago. Just to muddy the water a bit. It is complete..Silver, probably 800 coin silver. Actuall size aprox. 1-1/4 inches by 3/4 inches... So who knows?
Notice the rose decoration. Smell good

 

[dg39]

OK gang go back to post #15 down by me.......Tell me what I say! Thank you Ray!

 

[Angelo]

Looks like a wax casting.
I'm beginning to get the idea that it was part of a ladies lapel watch.
Cool! (Michelle) you got that one beyond the shadow of a doubt.
I really thought you got it.....BUT JACK!
I searched maybe 50
Boys and Girls, this is a neckerchief slide.

OH, BY THE WAY MY GRANDMA HAS ONE.

WOW! What a spectrum of facts.

Tony

In reality it is a shield for hand to hand combat for squirrels.

 

[dg39]

In reality it is a shield for hand to hand combat for squirrels.

Now we are getting down to the nutty-gritti!

I've got to get back to work on my rocket-pack.

 

[Angelo]

Now I know what inspired Ray Charles to write Hit The Road Jack and.......................

Tony

 

[Angelo]

And I bet Will Rogers never met you.

 

[dg39]

Much as I hate to admit it, I do believe you have stumbled onto a believable conclusion. Dress buckle. But almost always there are two or more holes in the attachment bar for the cloth. 1/2 cigar. Close but no cigar.
The hands have left the fields. They are going to have some sort of voodoo ceremony tonight.
Should be interesting.