Some kind of hinge?

[DavidGC]

Found this at an old cellar hole. It is brass or bronze or some such metal. The decorative piece on the left was obviously made to clasp something thin -- the dot in the middle is a very small, delicate pin that would have gone through whatever was being held in between the top and bottom. The two "spots" on the long part are where it was attached to something else (looks like it was soldered to something at those spots)
Maybe a hinge for a purse? Small jewelry box?

 

[Digger_O'Dell]

Cool piece, kind of reminds me of a book latch.

 

[fyrffytr1]

Cool piece, kind of reminds me of a book latch.

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[DavidGC]

Hmmmmm. That could be. Thanks.

 

[del]

Possibly a latch to an old "carpet bag" or satchel

 

[Oneil1979]

I found something very similar ( yours looks much older) always was curious because its ornate and was gold plated, hinged with a hole. Book hinge latch is something ive never considered but now that its mentioned that's what it probable is. Another curiosity solved

 

[del]

I found something very similar ( yours looks much older) always was curious because its ornate and was gold plated, hinged with a hole. Book hinge latch is something ive never considered but now that its mentioned that's what it probable is. Another curiosity solved

Oneil does this have a slight curve to it , how about a long sided profile please

 

[Oneil1979]

Del no bend to it but it does have a pin and a slightly concave piece at the bottom and you can see the gold plating on the back that use to cover the entire thing. I found a lot of victorian items from this area.

 

[del]

Del no bend to it but it does have a pin and a slightly concave piece at the bottom and you can see the gold plating on the back that use to cover the entire thing. I found a lot of victorian items from this area.

its very similar to an old "long rifle " patch box cover

 

[BTV Digger]

That's an interesting one David. The two ideas floated so far make good enough sense than anything else.

John

 

[DavidGC]

John - I found this at the site near the pond where you found the silver dime in the daylilly patch.

I think the book latch is the most likely candidate.