Hello all.
I found this a couple weeks ago at the old house site where I found a few IHPs and a couple V nickels. When I dug it I thought it was just an old piece of junk metal. It wasn't until I got home that I noticed it had some designs on it.
It appears to be an 1840-1850 era militia plate. See bottom pic for a non dug example.
Even though the cost to restore is probably going to be more than it's value I have decided to go ahead and have it at least somewhat restored.
Front
Backside
Here is some info from a Pinterest post. If anybody has any information from an official source that would be great.
From a North Carolina estate - 1840 era dropped wing eagle stamped brass Militia "Panel Plate". These plates were commonly carried over from an earlier era, and worn by Confederates. This example came out of the estate with a number of Confederate pieces.