old looking metal piece with American Flag

This was in a bag of stuff I got last week from a senior community sale . The bag had lots of old stuff in it, some things dating back to the early 1800's . I just can't figure out what this metal piece was on or used for. Anybody know ?

Thank You

Billy D.

 

flag holder..?
or
for a mail box....

 

If belt buckle the tab is broke to hook it up

 

The foliage is symbolic, olive branch=peace; oak branch=strength. Now go figure.

 

The design of the U.S. flags looks to be of the late 1700s around the Revolutionary War time period. I'm not suggesting it was made in that time period. I have no idea. John Shaw had a variety similar (at least the configuration of the stars). Fort Independence and others as well.On a side note, I've got a few little things from estate sales over the years that I have no ideas of their usage. The not-knowing pains me.

 

It’s thin metal, not a bottle opener or belt buckle. I think it was probably part of a uniform or weapon but only a guess. It does seem to be very old

 

Strength in peace?

 

My guess at age based on the “political” message of the branches is that it must be ca. 1905 or later. The US wasn’t really very globally-concerned until about 1905 Great White Fleet timeframe.

 

"Political" you may be onto something, springfld. Possibly a political party / candidate ribbon holder / pinback. That broken off tab could have held a button with the candidates face and/or name.

Do a google search on:

1900s political ribbon Badge

 

Okay great, I'll do some searching on this. Also I want to Thank everyone for your help

 

Nice find sabre, up close it does and feels pretty old.

 

I would say it’s a cover for some kind of key hole maybe a desk.

 

me too kinda....I'm still thinking post box ....or for one of those wooden multi box desks...

 

Thanks Zeppelin, I think you are right on. Cool name man....

 

Looking at tiny clues for what it may have been attached to-the back has shadows/impressions of a drilled or punched hole. A wooden backing would not leave those marks. I think it was more likely attached to something made of steel or iron. I doubt it was on furniture, since it carries a political message, and I haven’t seen political furniture. I’m guessing it was attached to something that was made to use for a relatively short time. Maybe a frame for a name tag at a convention.

 

Thanks springfld.arsenal. I'm still searching off and on and cannot find anything but, I showed it to a military collector last Wednesday at swap meet and he wanted to buy it for $25 but he didn't know what it was. I have a feeling he knew what it was since he wanted to buy it.

 

Some of these “medals” have twin flags and a window thing on top. Could be something like that. Fraternal and ??? See Horst Auction and click on it.

https://www.google.com/search?q=antique brass american flags medal oak olive&tbm=isch