Stirrup?

[Ripcon]

I believe I found an iron stirrup but I need some equestrian experts out there to weigh in on whether it's civilian, military,,,, age?
Me and Callicles were hunting a river crossing in Mississippi that was used before, during and after the civil war.
It measures 6 inches at the base and 7 1/2 inches high.
Any information would be appreciated.

 

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[Mud Hut]

Why do you think it is a strirrup?

 

[Ripcon]

I believe it's a stirrup unless someone can give me an idea of what else it could be.
Here are my reasons why I think it's a stirrup:2
1. The site was a major bridge crossing during the nineteenth century. We have found many civil war period artifacts in this area. Finding an equestrian artifact like a stirrup would not be unusual.
2. The measurements of the piece coincides with other stirrups I have found.
3. The base of the piece is flat which suggests it would support a foot, the flanks of the piece slightly flair and are congruent, and the top of the piece could support a strap. However, this piece does not have a hole for a strap. But I have found blacksmith forged stirrups before that are very similar. Could that be what this piece is?
4. What else could it be? That's the reason why I posted here in the first place, to get opinions on what this is. I believe it's a stirrup but if it's not then I'm opened to suggestions.

 

[BosnMate]

I'm far from an expert on stirrups, you yours doesn't resemble any, that are connected to a military saddle, that I've seen. Or as far as that goes, even English style riding saddles, don't seem to have stirrups shaped like yours. I have to agree with you, that it probably is a blacksmith made civilian stirrup.

 

[Ripcon]

Thanks Bosunmate

I agree. The more I look, the more I'm convinced this was a blacksmith forged stirrup and not one made through military channels. Thanks for the input.

 

[callicles]

Still a cool find!!!!

 

[Mud Hut]

Can anybody post a photo of a smith made stirrup that looks like this one or is it speculation? Thanks.

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

If it was a bridge crossing you might have to include that it could have been a strap/buckle for the bridge itself or possibly some kind of strap off of a wagon something off the axle?

 

[Mud Hut]

If it was a bridge crossing you might have to include that it could have been a strap/buckle for the bridge itself or possibly some kind of strap off of a wagon something off the axle?

That is my line of thinking as well!