Fancy button?

[fyrffytr1]

I am pretty sure this is a button but I have never seen one like it. I found it in a box of relics my brother (Joe G from Md) sent me last week. He figured I needed something to occupy me while I was down so I have several pieces to go through. I may be posting more here later.
As for the button, there appears to be a place for the shank on the back. There is no backmark. The front is decorated and has applied pieces to it.

 

[fyrffytr1]

This one is bugging me. I think it is a woman's overcoat button but can't find anything like it on the WWW.

 

[Joe G from Md]

I thought it was some type of clasp, I am lost also.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Very interesting find! what it is used for.

 

[fyrffytr1]

I don't think the applied pieces will move. I tried to move one and the wire started to bend so I pushed it back and left it alone.