ornate brass object

[Ripcon]

Found this at a site in west central Mississippi.
It's broken, but this part that I found is 3.5'' inches.
Any ideas?

 

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[tamrock]

Boy I wanna say a fancy ornate light switch cover, but I don't think it be that

 

[DCMatt]

Wall sconce.

 

[Ripcon]

I was just told this is a small sword guard to a theatrical sword.
Anybody have any comments? I guess that's what it could be.

 

[DCMatt]

I was just told this is a small sword guard to a theatrical sword.
Anybody have any comments? I guess that's what it could be.

I'd like to see some substantiation on that ID.

I suppose that is possible. But what are the odds?

I'm guessing you found this relic at a house site. Ask yourself how many old houses had candle sconces.

Then ask yourself how many houses had theatrical swords. Do the math and choose what you believe.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Ripcon, when I first saw it I gave some thouht to it being a sword (or dagger) hand-guard... but I discarded that identification because:
1- the rectangualr hole where the blade's tang would fit through it is too small,
2- on a sword/dagger guard there's no purpose for the round hole next to the rectangular hole.

So, I'm going with DCMatt on the object's identification.

 

[Ripcon]

Thanks for the responses.
Yes, there was several house sites where this was found, but also lots of civil war relics including some artillery shells. Lots of things from several historic periods.
As relic hunters, the odds are many times tossed out the window. That's why we have this forum to go to.
I showed this piece to a local antiques dealer and he told me a theatrical sword. He may be wrong or right, who knows. But at least it creates discussion.
Thanks for everyone's input. I'll just stick this in my box of "what is its"

 

[RustyGold]

Lock plate cover for a chest.