What is this?

[Joe G from Md]

When I found this I thought it was a gun part, not so sure now. If anyone else thinks its a gun part where did it go?

 

[Mine Shaft]

Looks like a very old "Trigger Guard" cool find.

 

[Joe G from Md]

I don't think its part of trigger guard. I have checked pictures of muskets, long rifles and flintlocks. the trigger guard and finger guard are all one piece.

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

I would think trigger guard also.Although it seems to be missing a second attaching point.

 

[CivilWarSaver]

Its a very old trigger guard.

 

[Joe G from Md]

I have never seen trigger guard with one screw hole.

 

[Bruce R]

. Trigger guard fragment

 

[Joe G from Md]

That trigger guard is all one piece, mine is not broken [the triger guard and finger hole are integral]

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

I'm looking at a nickel, and I'm looking at some triggerguards with single triggers hanging down in them. And they are two or three nickel widths long.

I'm not convinced that is a trigger guard. There's not much room for a trigger and less for a finger in front of it.

 

[fyrffytr1]

Could the finger guard be bent in? It looks like a break at the loop end. If it were opened up to more of a D shape it might work as a trigger guard. Also, the marks in the second picture would not be seen when the piece was installed. I wonder if it might also be a trigger guard that was re-purposed but, for what I don't know.

 

[Kansas_Jayhawk]

Trigger guards generally have wider spread for the open area - like the letter U. The spread is not wide enough. The guards I've seen have screw holes up front as well as in the rear. The front should screw down just like the back.

Anything is possible and very well could be a trigger guard.

 

[Joe G from Md]

I still say not a trigger guard, if it is broken [I don't see it] the curviture is to perfect. If it was made d-shaped your finger would not fit. I have many books on black powder guns and I have yet to see one! I think the part of trigger guard it looks likr is called the spur. I am very very far from an expert. If I thought it was a trigger guard I would not have posted in what is it this.

 

[Itsmine]

Looks like it's 1/2 of an old sheep shearing scissors.... like these... https://www.google.com/search?q=she...AUICygC&biw=983&bih=707#imgrc=m1hoZVxHTSzjVM:

 

[Joe-Dirt]

I’m going to say repurposed trigger guard, maybe an attempt at a battlefield salvage attempt. The markings on the tang look like Roman numerals much how the south used to mark rearsenaled guns. It may have been too far gone to use or it’s been damaged since.

 

[Tpmetal]

looks more like a candle holder finger loop.

 

[lookingharder]

I have to agree with Tpmetal. Iv'e been scouring photos of candle holders. The actual holder ring being mounted mid shaft of the candle holder would explain the one hole design.

 

[Breezie]

Since it is thick, cast iron with only one hole, I think it is some type of Victorian piece that would fit on a fence, gate, grill, screen, rod holder, candle holder, bracket or any number of Victorian cast iron 'do-dads.' Below is a page of Victorian grills, which shows the intricate 'dust/dirt catching spaces.'
https://www.google.com/search?q=vic...Q27TZAhUFnlkKHdUFAcoQ_AUICygC&biw=800&bih=449

Neat find
Breezie

 

[Mine Shaft]

I don't think a break, it has a radius or ground look to it.

 

[Mine Shaft]

Did you put a magnet to it ? looks like it has a brassy patina on it.

 

[Joe G from Md]

I think it is brass, magnet will not stick. It is also pretty heavy to be lugging around on a candle holder.