Anyone know what this is?

[joncooper1986]

I need some help IDing a find I have had for years now. It is a small (but heavy) grape leaf with two acorns on it. it is a solid piece, seems to be lead or pewter. the lower acorn has a seam on it which tells me that it was molded. On the back of the leaf there is a small post about 1/4" diameter. At the very top of the leaf it appears that a part has broken off, but I have always assumed it was the stem of the leaf at one point. The whole Piece is about 1" long and 3/4" deep and i found it in my field. everything i have ever found in this field dates from 1750-1910. I am pretty sure it is early to mid 19th century, but I have no clue what it was from! It seems too heavy to me jewelry of any sort. Maybe the clasp on a box? maybe the post part was once integrated in a drawer of an old peice of furniture? I am stumped! Any help is surely appreciated!

 

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[joncooper1986]

While I am thinking about it, I have one more that is probably nothing, but you never know. It is a brass rectangular bar 1/2" wide and cut exactly 2" long. At first I assumed it was just cut off from something, but i didnt know if people ever traded with brass back in the day. Again, I know this is at least 100 years old based on location, and may be as old as the 1700s based on the history of the land.

 

[Frankn]

I don't know what it is, but since it is lead or pewter I would date it at pre 1930's. For the same reason, I would say that it is not something that is handled like a handle, knob or catch. Because of the 1/4" protrusion on the back, I would estimate it is a decorative piece affixed to something. Sorry, that's the best I can do.
Frank...-


The brass bar looks like key stock used in a keyway of a shaft to attach a gear, pulley,etc.
Brass was used as a kind of safety, like a shear pin. Just my guess.