Found at 1850s cellar hole - under 60 lb rock in creek!

[pocketspill]

This 5.5" tall solid brass item was beneath a 60-lb stone in a creek bed near an old cellar hole. It weighs about 4 oz - not really dainty.

I've been getting advice that it might be a saddle brass of some type, but it doesn't match anything I've found online.

So I'm happy to have any advice here. Sorry I don't yet have cleaned photos - my hunting buddy has this object at the moment - he plans to send me photos soon.

The star is intriguing.

 

[dave5710]

About 20 posts down from this one is a post about an object found at "old farm ruins". That object has a similar curved slot on one end of it like yours does. Different era and maker could explain the difference in style.

 

[pocketspill]

here it is cleaned off!!!

 

[Aarong81]

I'm pretty sure its a Harness Drop Medallion. There would be several of these draped from a horse harness for decoration. Here is one similar to yours and also a pic of some on part of a harness.....
Source =tags&ga_search_query=buckle+harness&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery]HERE.

My only reservation is that yours, and the similar example, has a curved slot that seems to serve no purpose IF it is in fact a drop medallion. The obvious examples of drop medallions don't normally have this slot. It looks a lot like one but I could be wrong.....and partially right if I am right about being wrong....LOL.

 

[pocketspill]

That is the closest thing I've seen after a lot of looking. I think you're right. And you've been a huge help!!!

 

[pocketspill]

it seems to me that these slots shapes were somehow used to accommodate 2 straps that moved off at ~30-degrees from the main buckle. Making one slot for this was a practical matter. On mine, the upper holes, if used, would allow even more straps - making this the 'center of a spider-shape of straps" somewhere on the horse/team/saddle. The question is, when was a medallion like this used as a "hub" of straps on horses? I think we're getting close - need a horse tack expert to chime in.