Civil war musical instrument key or part w/ ram image?

[DirtyMike]

Any ideas? It sort of reminds me of a key to an musical instrument. It feels like lead or pewter. The oval piece is hinged and has an image of a goat, ram, some horned animal on it.

Update... I have been given another idea as to what this is. Maybe a wax seal. Several people has suggested it. Although I am a little skeptical due to the top piece being hinged on.

 

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[DCMatt]

Mike,

If it is pewter or lead it is unlikely to be from a musical instrument.

Is it hollow?

My first thought was "thumb piece from a beer stein" but I can't see how it would have worked.



DCMatt

 

[DCMatt]

Getting closer...

Large Pewter flagon with double rams head thumb grip and stamped J.A P and 1855

DCMatt

 

[DirtyMike]

That does seem to be pretty close. It might be a little fragile for that. Not sure... Here are some more pics to help. Notice the tiny pin in the hinged part.

 

[DCMatt]

Wow! What a difference with the new pics. I thought the shaft was round. Definitely too fragile for a tankard handle.

Does the oval "button" push a rod that goes through the middle of the shaft? I guess it could be part of an instrument like a concertina.

This was found with CW and earlier relics?

Still looking...

DCMatt

 

[DirtyMike]

It appears it may have pushed a small possibly iron rod in the middle of the shaft. And it was found in the middle of a civil war camp. I know it does not mean it is civil war but have a feeling its that time period. I found it at a DIV event.

Wow! What a difference with the new pics. I thought the shaft was round. Definitely too fragile for a tankard handle.

Does the oval "button" push a rod that goes through the middle of the shaft? I guess it could be part of an instrument like a concertina.

This was found with CW and earlier relics?

Still looking...

DCMatt

 

[DirtyMike]

I still cant find a thing close to it.