Could this be civil war?

[pringmaster]

My dad found this awhile back i have always wondered if it is period. If so what is it?

 

[Legion Para]

What type of material is it made of? How thick is it? Period, perhaps.

Decoration from a flintlock stock?

 

[pringmaster]

This is how thick it is it is made up of brass.

 

[JOHN42768]

Looks like part of a hinge

 

[UCVRelics]

@JOHN42768 is spot on its part of a decorative hinge.

 

[JOHN42768]

Thanks. Just guessing,possible from the foldown front of a period desk.

 

[FedericoFCavada]

Coffin fittings and hinges?

 

[mofederal]

A hinge plate I would say. I don't know if it part of a patch box for a rifle. I am not knowledgeable enough to state that it is one.

 

[Patrick H]

It's a hinge strap, and I would say it's engraved by hand--not exquisitely, but pretty good craftsmanship. I could not say what era it's from nor what kind of object it's from. Probably part of a large box, desk, or something of that nature. I think it's old, but can't speculate on its actual age.

Its shape is ornate, as is the engraving, so I don't think it utilitarian like a door hinge. It is more decorative. Trunk, box, book case, fancy cabinet, etc. etc.

 

[Ralph Heinz]

It looks like part of a patch box for a percussion rifle as the bottom edge appears to be where the lid would be attached and open upwards on a hinge. There would be side pieces which are missing. These were often engraved and sometimes made of nickel silver as this one doesn't appear to be ferrous metal -- no rust. The holes are for screws to attach it to the stock -- if it is part of a patch box.

 

[Patrick H]

It looks like part of a patch box for a percussion rifle as the bottom edge appears to be where the lid would be attached and open upwards on a hinge. There would be side pieces which are missing. These were often engraved and sometimes made of nickel silver as this one doesn't appear to be ferrous metal -- no rust. The holes are for screws to attach it to the stock -- if it is part of a patch box.

Could be as Private Heinz asserts. If so, we are missing parts, just as he asserts. The decorative nature of the hinge plate is perfectly compatible with Ralph's theory.

 

[Ralph Heinz]

Here is a scan of two patch boxes (reproductions) from a well-known catalog source that sells everything you need to make percussion and flint lock firearms. These are plain and not engraved and they do not have the holes drilled for screws. They are Lancaster County (PA) styles available in brass, steel, and nickel silver.

 

[zburkett]

Where your Dad found it might be an indication of the period. As for value, it is probably worth more to you because your Dad found it than it would be to anyone else. The value in a piece like this in not measured in money.