Vintage Gyroscope or?? and some small strange clips, Pants or Vest tensioners??

[bonepicker]

Dug this gyroscope looking object a couple weeks ago, and finally getting around to posting some pics.
The center part does spin, but its a bit wobbly "probably seen better days".
One of the ball ends has a groove on it. I think ive seen this on gyroscopes to be balanced on a string.
Was wondering if it is a vintage gyroscope or possibly something else.?? Any ideas on a date??

Also dug these 2 little clips yesterday in an area where I have been digging some 1840s US military buttons and flat buttons.
Im thinking they were for a tensioner that would go on the back of pants or a vest. Any ideas.
What are they called? When were they used.?

Thanks

 

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[mick56]

Looks like a gyroscope to me. I had one in the 60's, yous looks older.

 

[Loco-Digger]

Nice finds BP, I also believe it's a gyroscope.

 

[Rich jaws]

I used to have one. Get it spinning and then balance it on a string using the groove. Nice find.

 

[HuntinDog]

You are correct that your 2 little clips are for belts.
They were used on the back of pants and suspenders.
Date in my area into the 1850's

 

[bonepicker]

Thanks. I have found a few of this design pictured below, but never found any like those that were dug Saturday.
I was thinking those from Saturday might be slightly older and a diff design.

 

[Carolina Tom]

Nice finds BP. That most certainly is a gyroscope.

Best of luck to you!