✅ SOLVED Some type of horse tack??

[Helix]

Iron. I always thought this was some buckle from some type of animal tack.... It has this funny swivel deal?? It also appears to have been originally panted black. At least it makes a good bottle opener! Lol Im kidding. haha.

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

Civil War cell phone holder LOL sorry just had to say it.

 

[BosnMate]

Got me stumped.

 

[creskol]

It is "bearer loop" which attaches to the metal frame of a gig saddle/express tree.

 

[pepperj]

It is "bearer loop" which attaches to the metal frame of a gig saddle/express tree.

I can see the resemblance of a bearer loop.
Patent US518435 - Gig-saddle - Google Patents
When I look at it it reminds me of part of the lock latch (the attached part) off a steamer trunk.

 

[creskol]

The "funny swivel deal" and the screw are the attachments that attach it to the metal frame of the tree.

 

[BosnMate]

Well, I learned something. We always called the "Gig saddle" the back band. I'd never heard of a gig saddle, but then I've only had a couple of buggies, and one set of breast collar harness, so I come at this from a rather narrow set of experiences. Do the tugs attach to bearer loop? The tugs come off the breast collar. I'm confused. I don't understand how it works.