What Was This - Pat 1879 Brass Buckle Used For ???

[E-Trac-Ohio]

I went to an old abandoned farm house yestersday for a few hour hunt. I got permission to hunt this late 1800's house last spring - I only found two Wheat Cents in the front yard at that time.
Yesterday ( this time running in 2 Tone Ferrous) I dug - 1940 & 1943 Mercury Dimes - one Buffalo Nickle (no date) - 1940 and 1952 Wheat Cents and an old brass buckle with " PAT. DATE 1879" on it.

I was told that this is not a belt buckle but something called a "Conway Buckle" or similar - that's used on a horse harness.
Has anyone seen a buckle like this one before - any ideas ?

HH --- Mark

 

[Crosby]

I found that exact buckle last year. From what I understand, it was used to cover the adjustable buckles so they wouldn't get snagged.

 

[motherlode1]

Its a harness buckle cover,to keep the horses tail or main out of the buckle

 

[hotwheels]

I found the same buckle about a year ago here in central California and searched the Patent Office and found the patent. HH...Dano