1830's Farmhouse: Lovely Brass Finial

[Erik in NJ]

This rang up as a penny and was surprisingly not very deep. It's some sort of brass finial or lamp component I believe composed of 6 Fleur de Lis and has really lovely detail - mid 19th century is my guess. Very hefty piece about 2-1/2" in diameter. Also found near by was a brass bell that has a beautiful tone of about thesame diameter. The scans don't do the finial or whatever it is any justice.....I'm assuming it came from a fancy carriage. Any ideas? These items will also be donated to the museum dedicated to this site.

 

[Hotcz70]

Nice relic. That will be a good addition to the museum.
Strange it was so shallow?...but maybe the ground was worked up a little?

 

[Erik in NJ]

This item is VERY heavy and I was really surprised to find it as it sounded just like a zinc cent and read about 2". I popped it out right as the cops showed up as someone had complained that I was digging on these grounds (though I had permission). I nicely explained the situation to the cops and they were very nice about it - one asked me if I found anything interesting and I had just popped this out of the ground (talk about timing). It was on a slight hill, so maybe the erosion. The brass bell of approx the same size was nearby on the hill and was about a foot deep. Man I was sure it was going to be a sweet old coin - the perfect roundness and cone of the bell makes it sound so pure on the Explorer. Well the bell will go well with the museum.

Thanks for looking!