Brass mystery item

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

Found this yesterday at a 1800?s cellar hole that had occupancy into the 1930?s. Sort of looks like a lock assembly, but the dog bone opening is too big for any key I can think of.

Any ideas?

 

[Mud Hut]

That is a head scratcher! Kinda sorta reminds me of a rolltop desk lock.

 

[Tony in SC]

Part of the hasp from an old chest? The ring for the lock would pass through the slot?

 

[cudamark]

A trunk latch would be my guess. I'm thinking a large version of a typical suitcase latch.