Part purse bar

[DaveP]

The square block is decorated with a dot design that looks to be in 4 quadrants. There is still the tiniest trace of gilding. The reverse was decorated too but it's harder to make out. There may be some design on the sides of the block but it might be wishful thinking.
The top and bottom of the block have file marks. The main shaft looks to go through the block as there is either a break or the end is peened over on the other end of the block. The "button" on the side also seems to go right through. Weight 32g.

I've got a couple of ideas but none fit perfectly; so I thought I would put it to the hub-brain.

IMG_2515.jpg [attachment=1]IMG_2515.jpg

[Dave The Slave]

Interesting item , Dave.
I can see a pattern on the front.
Not a clue as yet to what it could be.
Reckon there would have been something solid, wood, metal, enclosing the shaft of what could be some sort of hinge. Must have been a personal item to be Gilded.
Intriguing.
Cheers,
Dave.

[Bors]

Looks like a purse bar ,minus the top loop and the bar on the other side.

[alloverover]

Purse bar

[DaveP]

Well that will be a first for me

Any idea of age?

[Easylife]

1400 - 1600.

[figgis]

I've got a couple of ideas but none fit perfectly; so I thought I would put it to the hub-brain.

On a Saturday afternoon the hub-brain's most likely to be floating on a sea of alcohol, but for some reason or other it seems to be working

[DaveP]

On a Saturday afternoon the hub-brain's most likely to be floating on a sea of alcohol

Floating! The tide's only just gone out from last night

[figgis]

No signs of any tides going either in or out round these here parts - the trick is to lobbing it in till yer teefs float away

[Reiver]

No signs of any tides going either in or out round these here parts - the trick is to lobbing it in till yer teefs float away

As I always say, I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.