Brass Thingy for High Wheel Bicycle?

[curbdiggercarl57]

Dug this the other day with a turn of the century fob, and a aluminum Kansas token. Coins were also dug from the 1870's to 1940's at the site.
made of copper or brass, and about 1 1/2" tall. At first I thought that it was the end piece for a strip of leather, not unlike for a belt, but I now think otherwise. The marking under the high wheel is unusual. It appears to be...

I
10
9 Ra E

This one's got me stumped. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Carl

 

[curbdiggercarl57]

Also could have been used to attach an accessory tool pouch or such.





You guys gotta see these bikes

Click on "antique bicycles" then by page number
http://www.metzbicyclemuseum.com/index.html

more antiques
http://www.metzbicyclemuseum.com/BicyclesNewAdditions.html

That's what I've been thinking along the lines of.
And then there's always the chance that it has no bicycle-related connotations whatsoever.
The lock mechanics is what intrigues me the most.
Still thanking, and still hunting,
Carl