Agree with HuntinDog on the cover for a trunk lock. The other item may be a leather punch or a tool to cut circular cloth patches for a musket. (based on if the bottom opening has sharp edges.) Cheers, Sub
I think Subterranean nailed it with, a lock face plate from a trunk or jewelry box.
This piece is in the Art Nouveau Style and dates to c1900.
Nice find,
Dave
“Art Nouveau is an international style of art, architecture and applied art, especially the decorative arts, that was most popular between 1890 and 1910. A reaction to the academic art of the 19th century, it was inspired by natural forms and structures, particularly the curved lines of plants and flowers. By 1910, Art Nouveau was already out of style. It was replaced as the dominant European architectural and decorative style first by Art Deco. In the United States, due to its association with Louis Comfort Tiffany, it was often called the "Tiffany style".
Prior to Art Nouveau, the female form had rarely been portrayed, but all the leading exponents of the period produced interesting interpretations of femininity. Often unclothed, with long sensual hair swirling, with a subdued or wistful looking face. For the Art Nouveau artist, the female form represented harmony in life and art, but also reflected the hard-won emancipation and a women’s developing role in society. Women’s suffrage happened during this period and perhaps for a feminist, wearing such taboo styles was their way of making a statement about their need for change.”
Here is a picture of the top and back. I'm not sure about the 1890-1900, not unless someone was carrying it and dropped it. No houses have been on this site since the 1700's. I could be wrong but we have some good records about the area.
It might also be the face plate from a ladies side table clock or from a pocket watch stand.
As we all know, sometimes there's no reasonable explanation for why relics are found where they are.
Dave