A Real Puzzle

[Driftwoood]

I found this at an early-mid 1800's home site here in Upstate, NY. It is copper and was found in a half dozen pieces... I just had to bag it up and put the parts together when I got home. It went back together pretty well, but I still don't know what it was used for. It is 3 1/4" wide and 4 1/4" tall. Anyone out there know?

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A Handbook of Civil War Bullets and Cartridges - Grab it through Amazon!

[btjbtj]

Drift, I can't help with an ID, but that thing is awesome!! I look forward to hearing what the experts say. Congrats. -Lisa & John

 

[old digger]

Nice! What does the back side look like? May be the back to a mirror or old photo frame.

 

[fyrffytr1]

It could be a belt plate. I am also waiting on the experts to chime in.

 

[nhbenz]

1820's-30's militia helmet plate?
This seller's description references books I don't have:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1820s-1830s...500389?hash=item3d1ba060a5:g:2p0AAOSwQYZWx1TL

 

[Driftwoood]

1820's-30's militia helmet plate?
This seller's description references books I don't have:
1820s 1830s United States Militia Helmet Plate | eBay

That's it! Awesome!! It makes sense, as nearby I found an 1810-1820 NY Militia button:



Maybe there's a whole uniform there! Oh jeez, I hope it's not a grave or something.

 

[Driftwoood]

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/today-s-finds/230516-militia-hat-plate.html

Found this while researching... it's the exact same type.

 

[btjbtj]

That's it! Awesome!! It makes sense, as nearby I found an 1810-1820 NY Militia button:

View attachment 1366413

Maybe there's a whole uniform there! Oh jeez, I hope it's not a grave or something.

Umm...Drift--that button is incredible!!! -Lisa

 

[Driftwoood]

Umm...Drift--that button is incredible!!! -Lisa

Hehee! Thanks!! There has been a lot of really nice stuff from this site. I think what has been its saving grace is that there is no discernible foundation... it looks to have been built with no basement... just a few corner stones and a very shallow depression remain. I would never have found the site at all if I weren't just merrily swinging my coil in front of me while walking along.

 

[jewelerguy]

bottom center of this link shows what I believe is an identical one mounted on the original headgear War of 1812 American Army

 

[SilverHunters]

Could be wrong but it looks like an old oven door.

 

[AU Seeker]

bottom center of this link shows what I believe is an identical one mounted on the original headgear War of 1812 American Army

Yes, that's the same plate!

 

[jewelerguy]

Yes, that's the same plate!

actually not the same, but very similar. the one pictured on the hat doesn't have the leaf border but I would imagine they are from the same time period

 

[Driftwoood]

actually not the same, but very similar. the one pictured on the hat doesn't have the leaf border but I would imagine they are from the same time period

Yeah, I'm sure there must have been variations in design and shape. A few that I was looking at were more triangular or scallop-shaped. Imagine trying to fight while wearing one of those hats?!

 

[smokeythecat]

I was going to volunteer shako plate. Great find. Should be of very thin stamped brass.