✅ SOLVED copper rivet? seen in groups of civil war relics, but what is it?

[antlerman23]

i found this about five inches down in an old park here in SE minnesota. it is about 1/2 inch long and almost a 1/2 inch in diameter. what is it im super curious! please help me!

 

[duggap]

Well we call them grommets or brads. They come from all kind of sources. Usually on leather. In civilwar camps we would find them from nap sacks or several other items. Some say the real large ones are part of sword hangers.

 

[antlerman23]

any idea on age?

 

[duggap]

They can go back to before the civil war. I would think they are still used today.

 

[Ism]

Just do a google search for copper rivers and burrs. Still made today.

 

[tennessee digger]

Duggap is right. They are brass brads that was used to hold leather together. You will see them on a harness for instance. We dig them in civil war camps a lot. Tennessee digger

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Yes still used today but not as popular. How to Set a Rivet

 

[Tony in SC]

I still use rivets both copper and iron in my antique engine hobby. That's what the "peen" end of a ball peen hammer is for. Tony

 

[antlerman23]

darn, i was hoping it would be for sure old... oh well. someday ill get an old something! thanks everyone for your help!

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

darn, i was hoping it would be for sure old... oh well. someday ill get an old something! thanks everyone for your help!

Yours is probably old. They dont use them as much as they used to. I would guess they were used mid 1800s-mid 1900s mostly but just guessing..

 

[Conan]

Hi, I found one just like yours. You could say they were used internationally because mine is Irish