OK, I finally got to google it some more... so this isnt an exact match, but the shape is very similar. I am very sure now that it is a trunk name plate. It looks like like an escutcheon plate for a trunk with the key hole at the top. So the lock mechanism would be mortised in the trunk, and this plate was tacked on the wood through those tack holes. The key hole was was the middle of the oval piece at the top.
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Awesome find.... IMO it is silver plated and not solid silver (sorry).... you can see the silver plating clearly wearing off.... I agree it's an escutcheon plate that was on a box of some kind....
Nope thats a typical uneven patina. Its solid silver.
I think the problem is that there are multiple uses for the term "lock plate". When I read the title I was expecting to see the side plate where the hammer is attached from a musket... So my mind immediately went off in that direction and I started thinking it's surely not a lockplate but possible some sort of decorative piece from a musket. Patch box escutcheon, etc. I agree it's most likely a decorative piece off a trunk or some sort of box possibly including the key hole.Peaches, in my first post I said it wasnt a lock plate... I guess I think of that as a side plate to a padlock. But perhaps you meant it in the context of it being on the side of a trunk, covering the keyhole to a mortised lock. Either way, it is a sick escutcheon plate and looks like one huge hunk of silver. Hopefully someone can decipher the hallmark info on it. Should be able to get a maker and a date range from those.
I think the problem is that there are multiple uses for the term "lock plate". When I read the title I was expecting to see the side plate where the hammer is attached from a musket... So my mind immediately went off in that direction and I started thinking it's surely not a lockplate but possible some sort of decorative piece from a musket. Patch box escutcheon, etc. I agree it's most likely a decorative piece off a trunk or some sort of box possibly including the key hole.
I agree it went on an old box. You can narrow the search just a little because its NOT British.