Only guess I have is a watch case?

[canes2016]

Found this case near late 1700’sure cellar hole. It’s unique what with the “stem” hole along with the smaller holes in the base and the little “smile” groove. My only thought is an old watch case?

Thoughts?

 

[tamrock]

I'm thinking more of the back cover of something like a small windup travel clock, which would a bit bigger than the diameter of a 18 size pocket watch. The curved slot would be where you could access the (fast .... slow) regulator adjustment.

 

[BennyV]

I'm thinking more of the back cover of something like a small windup travel clock, which would a bit bigger than the diameter of a 18 size pocket watch. The curved slot would be where you could access the (fast .... slow) regulator adjustment.

Good call

 

[Chilli]

No. No watch back iv ever found looks that way.
But Hi to you anyway. 👍

 

[Gare]

I go along with Benny

 

[Blackfoot58]

Initially I thought it looked like a back case from a dry (non-liquid) gauge.
The travel clock idea makes more sense though.

 

[tamrock]

I found this old thing out in the corner of a wheat field behind me where folks long ago dumped trash. It turned out to be the back of a small fancy dresser vanity clock. Seems a lot of old clocks had been discarded over time in the old dumping areas. This I've assumed by other pieces of old clocks I've come across in the older dumps.