Small items with turn of century finds

[carvlin7]

Found a small hillside used for hunting - guessing around 1900 as the shotgun shells are both UMC and UMC Remington - with some Peters and Defiance mixed in. There are small metal rectangles - all very similar lined up with the shells in the photo - can't figure out what they are...?

 

[flinthunter]

We've got an idea of the size of your pieces from the picture comparison to the shotgun shell headstamps, but we need CLEAR CLOSE-UP images of the mystery pieces from different angles (front, back, side, etc.). Instead of using the flash, try taking the pictures in natural sunlight. Also, what are the pieces made of (iron, brass, lead, or something else)?

 

[carvlin7]

Thank you - will take more photos and post. First time posting photos -

 

[charlie dert]

are there any markings on the rectangles? maybe crude scale weights?

 

[carvlin7]

OK - better attempt here - the pieces are smooth and have a slight radius on one side, and seemed to have been affixed to something on the other side - see the residue underneath. No markings I can find - about the weight of a quarter and read as quarter on a Compadre and Eagle Spectrum - haven't checked with my F75. These were found in the same place as the turn of the century shotgun shells - looks to be a hunting spot.

 

[Ism]

They actually look like modern adhesive backed wheel weights.
Most have numbers on them but not all. Check with a magnet as most are iron.

 

[flinthunter]

Thanks for taking better pictures. These give us a much better idea of what we are looking at. As Ism said, try a magnet on them. Did you clean them? I see no signs of oxidation that should be on them from being in the ground for a long period of time. How deep were the shotgun shell headstamps? How deep were the items in question? They do look like they were affixed to something with an adhesive.

 

[carvlin7]

Thanks for taking a look again - to answer questions: They do not attract a magnet. I did clean them in a tumbler overnight. They were lightly oxidized. The shells and these pieces were all in the 4-6" range. The hillside has trees and a plateau but no evidence of a homesite. BEcause of the slope and root structure, it seems a fairly slow sink rate. Not included in the photo is a fired slug also in the area that is characteristic of civil war era minnie but a bit mangled. I have found 2 other minnies in good condition within a 1/4 mile in the same park area. I agree they seem to have been affixed to something but don't seem heavy enough for a wheel weight - though maybe a weight to balance something else?

 

[carvlin7]

ANyone care to take another look?

 

[Ant]

It looks like a watch band.