✅ SOLVED patented brass plate

[villagenut]

was lookin through some scrap finds and found some engraving on this piece. Is 1 inch by 3.5 inch and has 382453 at the one end and three patent dats lined up in the center. Sept. 10, 1840 and August 21 1858 and April 2, 1867. Doesnt look to be cut off from anything bigger, no mounting holes and nothing on the back....any ideas. I tried patent searches but got lots of weird things that this obviously is not. Thanks for lookin and helpin if you can.

 

[crashbandicoot]

Wild guess,Maybe a sacrificial anode for a boat?

 

[Bramblefind]

Those patent dates match up to a Howe Sewing Machine and it looks like the plate by the needle -- see this --

Antique Howe sewing machine on original cast iron base. Top of rear brass cover plate reads: 203994 - serial number dates to 1871. And below that, Patented Sept 10, 1840 Aug 24, 1858 April 2, 1867.

 

[villagenut]

Wow, once again I am sheerly amazed at readiness of the good ole folks on this forum to put a name to such mystery objects. Bramblefind, today your my hero! Thank you so much

 

[villagenut]

After following your fine lead and ID I was able to find a match. Funny how these little seemingly insignificant little objects/artifacts give us such wonderment.