Todays finds on the isthmus of Panama

[perdidogringo]

Had a great time exploring some of Panama's history this afternoon and getting in some metal detecting with Wreckdiver. Along with my usual cuota of mule shoes and nails, pottery, and chinese porceline fragments, I found what I THINK is a stirrup (see 1st two photos below)- It looks kind of small to be a stirrup, though. Can someone confirm it is a stirrup?

Also, I have a mystery item that confounded both Wreckdiver and myself. It's an oval-shaped piece of metal and is heavy for it's small size. It has a "J" inscribed on one side possibly a "J" or "S" on the other (See last 2 photos below). Seems like lead? Anyone have any feedback?

To add some context- These items were found in an area that was formerly a Spanish colonial settlement from the late 1500s to the early 1800s and subsequently, a rest stop for gold rush 49ers from about 1849 to 1855.

Many thanks!

 

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[UnderMiner]

Looks like a primitive bale seal to me.
baleclothseals

 

[perdidogringo]

Thanks, UnderMiner. Never heard of a bale seal so I'll do some research on-line.

 

[perdidogringo]

Could the mystery item be a wax seal? Even though the "J" is raised on it?

 

[CityDigger]

Wouldn't the J be turned the other way on a wax seal?

 

[Mackaydon]

Yep, stirrup.
People and their feet were smaller back in the day.
Don....

 

[Ia.FurTrade]

Yes, that is a lead bale,(or cloth) seal.........& yes, that is a stirrup...........nice find's!

Iowa Dale

 

[perdidogringo]

Thanks again for the feedback, fellas.

Wouldn't the J be turned the other way on a wax seal?

This is a great question, City Digger. Logically, I would think yes. Can anyone answer this question?

 

[perdidogringo]

Went back to the same spot today in Panama and found a few more items. The highlight being an 1849 "O" seated American dime! It's in pretty good shape as well, considering it's been in the ground 160 years or so. I also found a colonial mule bell (broken), some sort of buckle (or perhaps harmonica reed?), and the usual plethora of Spanish and mule shoe nails.

There are also photos of some unidentified items if anyone has any opinions about what they are.

 

[perdidogringo]

Colonial Mule bell

 

[perdidogringo]

Other finds....