Old Farm Find

[ANTIQUARIAN]

I found this on Wednesday while hunting the frontyard of an 1870's farm house. The item that I'm trying to I.D. is pictured with the Barber for scale. I found that one earlier this summer.

I think the piece is made of brass, it measures about 2" long and has a metal 'loop' welded or soldered into the middle of it. I might attempt to 'clean it up a bit' to see if that will bring out more detail. I've also pictured one of the other pieces I found on the same site . . . an old copper hair clip, it's very thick too!

Thanks,
Dave

[creskol]

The top item reminds me of one of these:

[BioProfessor]

I agree it looks like the belt end to a double snakehead buckle. But I don't think the Confederates would have painted it black. I think it may serve the same purpose - end of a belt - but I think it is much more modern than mid 19th century.

Daryl

[ANTIQUARIAN]

The top item reminds me of one of these:

Thanks for your suggestion creskol!
I sure wish it was 'one of those'!
Dave

I agree it looks like the belt end to a double snakehead buckle. But I don't think the Confederates would have painted it black. I think it may serve the same purpose - end of a belt - but I think it is much more modern than mid 19th century.

Daryl

I agree that it's probably 'modern', but it was down deep and on an old property, consequently I feel it's very likely 19th century in date. It doesn't appear to be painted upon close inspection with a jewellers loop, the colour you see is the patina. I gave it a light cleaning with a brass brush to enhance the detail a bit better, appears to be made of brass.

Thanks for your help Daryl!
Dave

[BioProfessor]

No problem. Patina comes in all flavors LOL.

These were typically used for sword belts. Check the size with some that have been around on the sites that sell artifacts. They give dimensions some times. It it is the right size, then it is most likely a sword belt end. Maybe not the snake head one as they did come in the "hook and loop" variety.

And just a word of caution. Don't rely on depth to tell age and don't let associated finds influence your thoughts as to what it might be. I've dug quite a few beer cans at or deeper than I was digging CW gun parts and buttons.

Daryl

[nova treasure]

harness rein loop

Bill

[creskol]

harness rein loop

Bill

Never seen a rein loop like that. Got any photos of one like it in place that I can put in my files? Thanks!

[ANTIQUARIAN]

harness rein loop

Bill

Thanks very much for your help Bill.
Dave

harness rein loop

Bill

Never seen a rein loop like that. Got any photos of one like it in place that I can put in my files? Thanks!

This would definitely be very helpful!
Dave

[nova treasure]

harness rein loop

Bill

Never seen a rein loop like that. Got any photos of one like it in place that I can put in my files? Thanks!

I forgot to add my question mark,being my reply a question instead of the answer. I seem to remember a rein loop similar to the above, but with a online quick search all i came up with was this smaller one in the pic. If I find one on a actual rig I will post it.

though your snake belt buckle type definetly looks very close to a match .