Went to one of my iron patches and worked it a little. I think the long brass piece is part of a sword guard? Also a strange brass grommet I've never seen before. I've dug at least 50 Merrills and 30 St. Louie Tear Drops off of this hill in the last couple of years. Sad too is that the buttons are getting hard to find in good shape anywhere around here.....HH...Mark