Unusual Flintlock Spring?

[Swartzie]

Found this item along the edge of a field the other day in an area that has some history dating back to the mid 1700's. A military expedition has been through the area in 1764 http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=485 Also, native american history dating to the same period.

Someone suggested it "might be a spring like used on a flintlock weapon."

Any thoughts on this?

 

[claymation]

I don't think it is very unusual, but I agree it's a mainspring to a flint or percussion firearm.