The ceramic item is indeed a porcelain electrical insulator from ca. late 19th-early 20th century.  In a quick look in references, I couldn't find the maker's mark.  
The metal item may be a snuff box lid, although I think it might be a little small.  An alternate may be tobacco related, ie. a tobacco pipe lid such as seen on some larger alpine or Bavarian type pipes, although it seems a bit large for that.  Is there a known ethnic affiliation to the site?  The lid would allow the smoker to close the pipe, extinguish the fire, carry the pipe without spilling the tobacco to be able to relight it later.  Yet another alternative may be the lid to a container associated with a toiletry set.  

Harding Polk II






-----Original Message-----
From: Patrick Tucker <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Thu, Aug 19, 2010 7:39 am
Subject: FW: Help with Identification of Artifacts


I have two artifacts that I need help with identification of their
unctional use. Both come from a residential lot on a street in Maumee City,
hio. Other ceramic manufacturers' marks and the property records suggest an
ccupation date of circa 1885-1927. The house on the lot was originally
uilt in 1887 as a wood-frame structure, and later remodeled.
 
The first is ceramic with manufacturer's mark "A.P. Co" I don't believe this
o be American Pottery Company, Trenton, NJ, but I may be wrong. It is
ube-like with a large diameter hole running through it. Could this be part
f a ceramic insulator for electrical wiring?
 
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Pat_Tucker/Box%20Site/100_7119.jpg
 
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Pat_Tucker/Box%20Site/100_7121.jpg
 
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Pat_Tucker/Box%20Site/100_7124c.jpg
 
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Pat_Tucker/Box%20Site/100_7123.jpg
 
The other artifact is a circular, hinged metal lid (silver or nickel-plated
rass) with an engraved floral design (four-leaf clover?) on the exterior.
rofile is convex (exterior)/concave (interior). Looks too small to be a
ewelry or ring box, and too large to be a pocket watch case. Possible
nuff-box, or too late for this type of artifact?
 
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Pat_Tucker/Box%20Site/100_7148.jpg
 
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Pat_Tucker/Box%20Site/100_7149.jpg
 
 
Pat Tucker
Swanton, Ohio, USA