Looks like a typical saddle shield to me. Common artifact found in civil war era sites Back in the eastern states Usual mfg of stamped brass sheet.. Kris Oswald -----Original Message----- From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Marty Pickands Sent: Monday, June 06, 2005 10:33 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Stump the Chumps To me, it looks like a lock escutcheon for the type of lock most often seen on luggage, which has a swinging hasp with a rectangular loop that engages the lock mechanism. Marty Pickands, New York State Museum >>> [log in to unmask] 6/2/2005 6:49:29 PM >>> Hey Everyone, Ok, ok, we're stumped here! This artifact, http://www.sricrm.com/histarch/badge.jpg was found during a survey out in the desert of extreme southwestern New Mexico. It was found in association with a possible rock ring and two to three pieces of SCA (sun-colored amethyst) glass. The break to right below the opening appears to be just that, a break. The drill holes in the upper right, left, and bottom center appear to be original to the piece. I have not handled the piece but all I can guess at this point is that represents some sort of horse tack. Does anyone have a more intelligent or informed interpretation? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Matthew A. Sterner, M.A., RPA Senior Project Director Statistical Research, Inc. (520) 721-4309