Found this today

Bill D. (VA) · Mar 19, 2012

In my post earlier today on Todays Finds I showed a couple pics of a partial item with some designs and a what appears to be a rounded bottom. The other finds were from the Rev War to CW era. Thought it had the possibility of being part of a sword pommel and maybe even a butt cap for a flintlock pistol. Of course, it could be something entirely different and not nearly as glamorous. Thought someone might recognize what this is. Thanks for any help.

CRUSADER · Mar 19, 2012

nice clean office hands :laughing7:

CC Hunter · Mar 19, 2012

Most assuredly not an early pistol butt cap. What ever you have there, appears to be some brittle white metal alloy. Those ol' pistol butt caps were made of strong heavy brass for two reasons. First off, single shot pistols of the period were good for one shot only, and then it was hand-to-hand fighting. :tongue3:

After firing a pistol, the heavy butt cap was intended as a noggin thumper for cracking an opponents skull. Furthermore, larger pistols of the period (being only effective for a few dozen feet at best), were primary designed as weapons for onboard ship (although plenty were in use on land). Consequently brass was the preferred choice of material over steel (salty locales are rough on steel). :icon_pirat:

CC Hunter

P.S. Crusader, a fellow can keep hands looking fairly nice when digging gold coins in sandy soil. :laughing9:

doublet2a · Mar 19, 2012

CRUSADER said:
nice clean office hands

dwayne sueno · Mar 20, 2012

how about a piece of a medium-to-large-sized crotal bell?

Breezie · Mar 20, 2012

The pattern is an open-faced rose with leaves which is very typical of the Victorian period as well as the use of Pot Metal. Your find is probably part of a bowl, vase, jewelry box or the likes. :icon_thumleft:

Breezie

Clean hands-clean heart.

CC Hunter · Mar 20, 2012

Breezie, the metal may be Tombac, rather than pot metal?

The piece strikes me as maybe earlier than Victorian.

Possibly Georgian (Colonial) and maybe a stylized Tudor rose? :dontknow:

CC Hunter

timekiller · Mar 20, 2012

Hey Bill,this post has nothing to do with your object above.But I remember awhile back you posted a silver piece & I told you I had seen something like it somewhere.Well I ran across it again & here it is.Maybe you will recall it cause I can't find your post.

Take Care,
Pete, :hello:

Bill D. (VA) · Mar 20, 2012

Timekiller said:
Hey Bill,this post has nothing to do with your object above.But I remember awhile back you posted a silver piece & I told you I had seen something like it somewhere.Well I ran across it again & here it is.Maybe you will recall it cause I can't find your post.
Take Care,
Pete,

Sorry Pete, but I can't remember what item you're talking about or how long ago the post was. If I can remember I'll look into it when I return from DIV. Thanks for the help just the same ..... Bill