Found with civil war relics.

[ihatedirtbikes]

I found this item along with other civil war relics. Never seen anything like it. It’s on some type of hinges and folds open and closed. I’m pretty sure it’s brass. Please help. I’ll attach photos of it opened and close with a third photo for size reference.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Upgraded Night Vision Monocular Digital Infrared Monocular Telescope for 100% Darkness with 8X Zoom - Grab it through Amazon!

[Professor of Engineering]

Nice finds, congrats!

 

[ihatedirtbikes]

Thanks. I just posted about the hunt in today’s finds

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

The first thing I try and do when identifying a relic is determine the age based on the design/style.
I feel this piece is mid-19thc and was meant to be seen, but what was it made for?

Possibly a chatelaine or a part of a ladies Victorian sash chain belt?
I've found similar fragments on early 19thc homestead sites.
Dave

 

[ARC]

Part of a sword chain ?

 

[ihatedirtbikes]

I’ve still had no luck at all on identifying this.