When I first saw the picture that was my first thought, as well.
However, it is a mere half inch. We have to assume he means either
length or width, and not thickness. Guess my brain is stuck on shoes. We
recovered several objects like this at a Russian-American
site(1820-1840)in southeast Alaska, and were a little confused at first.
But a look at the Sears catalog told us they were heel plates, often
sold as part of a shoe repair kit. Several resources confirmed this.
None were this small. I know nothing of tobacco tabs and cans, but I
plan to do a little research now!!!

M.Grover




Everett J Bassett (801)521-9255 wrote:
>
> I also agree that tobacco tabs are the best bet for the horseshoe-shaped
> objects.  However, similar horsehoe-shaped hardware with three tangs were
> also pounded into boot heels to retard wear and military-style cavalry
> boots from around WW I, at least, came equipped with them.  These
> elements tend to be smaller but much more robust than tobacco tabs and
> should be easily distinguishable.
>
> Everett Bassett
>