✅ SOLVED Piece of jewelry

[HAPPYCAMPER]

Looks ornate like perhaps some type of jewelry item.Found in central MASS at site on 1858 map.Kinda spring loaded snap to open up.Possibly says PAT FEB 20 MAR 12 78 course eyes not the greatest and doesnt seem to make sense for 2 dates? Will soak over night and make sure Im seeing what I think Im seeing.

 

[Squirrel322]

I would guess the business end of a clasp or closure. A female join would be sandwiched inside there to close a small purse or something. Its a total guess....

 

[nhbenz]

Compliments of BuckleBoy from another thread: Patent USRE9740 - Clasp for clothing - Google Patents
This was the thread in which he resolved it (at the end of the third page), and he noted that there were earlier patents (as yours may have on it).
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/114097-fancy-shoe-clip.html

 

[nhbenz]

BigCypressHunter found the correct date for yours if you scroll down in this thread: http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/244324-what-do-you-think-2.html

 

[Deftone]

Thanks Ben. I knew I seen one before and it was killin me that I couldn't think of it!

 

[HAPPYCAMPER]

Thank you for help,wealth of knowledge you be...maybe for pocketbook but still a neat looking "keeper"

BigCypressHunter found the correct date for yours if you scroll down in this thread: http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/244324-what-do-you-think-2.html