Nothing amazing, but happy enough..

[herbie]

Couple of hours out today, nothing amazing but found this lovely little button, it's a Tetbury Volunteer Infantry militia button (1798-1813), this is about the 6th one I've found all from the same field, no idea what they were up to! It's really nice to find a bit of very local history

Also found this artefact, no idea what it is, but it's pretty solid and heavy 62mm x 55mm, I was thinking something off a horse harness or cart, but might be miles out, anyone got any ideas?

[Chef Geoff]

I like the button Herbie, very nice little find. What size is the artefact? it has similarities to a hammer from a musket or should I say a part of one

[Meatslicer]

Looks like a flash-pan cover from a musket to me.

Eric

[herbie]

Now you mention it I can see it, if it is maybe that might tie in with the militia buttons (same field), Chef it's 62mm x 55mm with a bit broken off, weighs 90g, any idea what age it might be?

[Chef Geoff]

Unfortunately if it is a firing mechanism the important bit is missing, which would denote the type ie flintlock, doglock or matchlock. And that's the bit that dates it more precisely.
But going on the ornateness of it then the best candidate is flintlock and can be anywhere from 1620 to the early 19thC. If it were matchlock on the other hand it can be anywhere from 1500 to the early 18thC.

[herbie]

Cheers Chef, that's really interesting.

[falcon.]

I do belive that it is a hinge from a victorian fire tonges

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[Chef Geoff]

Ahhhhh! now there's a thought. Good shout Falcon

[herbie]

Bummer , spot on though...

[falcon.]

Sorry to diappoint you herbie

[Meatslicer]

Nice one, cant get better id than that one.

Eric