Found this in the desert in Arizona

[Pandoo]

Appears to be some sort of ornamental plaque, about 3"x1.5", maybe 1/16" thick, probably brass or copper due to patina. Front & back images below. Any ideas what it is?

 

[BagLady]

Being that small, maybe it was an ornamental piece off of a belt. (?)

 

[Tom_in_CA]

what kind of site did you find it in ? Ie.: age of the area's usage .... ghost town ? ruins? etc....

 

[GA_Boy]

Need a side view, could be a drawer pull.
Marvin

 

[Pandoo]

I found it in the San Domingo wash, which is a placer gold area from late 1800's to present.

 

[Pandoo]

Side view

 

[Tom_in_CA]

My guess would be some sort of trunk or cabinet type coverage. And age-wise, I'd say very early. Like 1860s/70s. Your clues on the age is:

1) the scrimshaw victorian type designs.

2) the hand-punched crude nail holes.

3) The uneven top part, which is before uniform mass produced exact-same production junk started.

Nice age indicator you got there !