Help with an ID

[gusnuts]

The weather finally cooled off enough for me to get out for a few hours. I went to my local honey hole and decided to hunt an area that I haven't spent much time at since my usual area is still covered in overgrown brush and thorns. This spot has produced a lot of stuff from the early 1800s to late 1800s. My first target was a 1879 Indian with very fine detail that was somewhat less toasted than the usual indians I find here. A few targets later I found this ornate brooch, clip thing, or whatever it is. It says PAT.APLD.FOR stamped on the back which to my knowledge was used before "Patent Pending" which started around 1900. Does anyone know what this object is or what it might've been used for? Another find that was interesting was this tiny broken piece that has writing like a coin. I almost threw it into my trash bag until I saw just enough of one of the letters as the dirt brushed away.

 

[madmantrapper]

Could be a money clip.

 

[Kmatch7]

I agree with money clip but looks pretty old for a money clip not sure when they originated. I’m sure a quick google search could help

 

[gusnuts]

I agree with money clip but looks pretty old for a money clip not sure when they originated. I’m sure a quick google search could help

It does kind of look like a money clip but the bend seems too wide. I also couldn’t find out when money clips were first used.

 

[Rookster]

I tried to think of something else other than a money clip but no luck.Congrats.

 

[bowwinkles]

Size makes me think it may be a napkin holder.

 

[cudamark]

Looks like one or more parts may rotate or pivot. Can you verify if that's true or not?