Is this an ornament off of a Gun

[OutBack Duo]

I have a location I started detecting today which is said to be a place where people camped while in transit back in the early 1800's. There was also said to be a skirmish between two groups of people that lasted a couple hours.

I think I have seen items like this before but can't be sure.

 

[Gypsy Heart]

here is one from a flintlock......

 

[Retired Sarge]

Looks like it could be a sideplate off a musket/flintlock, now just to find one with a serpent/dragon motiff.

Mike
USAF Retired

 

[baywalker]

looks like a fish ? need a side view

 

[Retired Sarge]

Here's some examples of the dragon/serpent style.

Mike
USAF Retired

 

[OutBack Duo]

any idea how old? The location I am detecting is a battle site that took place in 1838 and I would love to say this is from that battle.

 

[l.cutler]

Definitely seems to be a sideplate from a Northwest trade gun. These were smoothbore guns made for trading with the Native Americans. Dating it could be problematic, these guns changed very little throughout the 19th century.

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Very cool find

 

[CRUSADER]

Here's some examples of the dragon/serpent style.

Mike
USAF Retired

Spot-on match

 

[OutBack Duo]

Not an exact match, the dogs neck is shorter on mine.

 

[BuckleBoy]

Yes. Most likely 1700s, but those weapons were used for years.

 

[OutBack Duo]

Thanks everyone! I am pretty sure I am detecting where I want to be and hopefully will find other treasures to prove it.

 

[l.cutler]

OK, I had a chance to check some of my references. The Northwest Trade gun with it's serpent sideplate was made from the final years of the 18th century until the closing years of the 19th century. Your serpent does not appear to be one of the earliest ones, they were more slender. I would think no earlier than 1820 or so.