odd object for ID please

[peanut]

has anyone any idea what the bronze object on the left is please ?  it appears to have been intentionally shaped as it is and not bent by damage, although  It seems to have had a piece broken off the thicker end .There is a noticable flattening to the sides of the  thinner end where it has been hammered presumably in construction.

i'd appreciate a guesstimate of the age of the thimble which is one piece, rimmed and  has a spiral pattern to the sides and a waffle patten to the top. it weighs 4x gms and measures 16mm dia and 18mm tall. It looks to have been drawn judging by the concentric rings inside.
My guess is a childs thimble possibly an 18c Lofting type ?

Lastly any ideas what the small hinged brass /bronze clasp? might have been used for .It has a solid plaque one side and a contoured thin shield shape  the other ?

[archie]

on left a snake hook, and on right a garter/stocking clip

[Val Beechey]

Hi Archie
I agree with Peanut, half a snake buckle. The one on the right could be a note holder (£1 notes ect.)
Wasn't sure if there was a hole in the back plate. If there is then it could also be a belt clip.

Val

[peanut]

thanks for the suggestions both of you. I like the idea of a note clip . The plaque part looks like it might have had a silver plating and could easily have had initials added if desired so I think you're right Val.

As for the snake buckle ... any links to an image or example perchance?

[Val Beechey]

http://www.colchestertreasurehunting.co.uk/s/snakebuckles.htm

Try this one Peanut. Have fun.

Val

[peanut]

thanks Val  yes I can see what you mean .     The only thing that makes me query that is the centrally placed hole in both ends which makes me wonder if some sort of suspension or fixing wire was cast with it ?

[Val Beechey]

Yea. That is an oddity. Can't think what it could be if it did have something through the middle.  Hummmmmmm.!!

Don't you just love the odd ball finds. Much more interesting than 'Oh yes it's a 20p'

Val