It's a circa early 18th century Native American trade silver arm band

Congrats to Ontario Mike and Iowa Dale. They both knew this piece could likely be a trade silver arm band.

Y'all know your stuff. Maybe it's because they're more commonly found in your neck of the woods. The cool thing about this one is that Sal found it in the Deep South several years back (early 2000s, so, way before I thought metal detecting was cool).

The photo above and information below can be found on XXTradeSilver.com.

“Trade silver armbands, worn only by men, were also referred to as arm plates, spangles, bracelets and clasps. They were usually worn just above the elbow, but were made large enough so they could also be worn on the leg.

Portraits of18th century Native Americans show that armbands were often adorned with fox tails, strips of fur and wampum or feathers.

An early American silver trader once observed that to Indians, "all silver ornaments were regarded as amulets and functioned in the same manner as a prayer. Bracelets were reffered to as sacred or holy bands, and were the most important form in this regard.’”

The portrait shows "a Huron Indian Chief holding a wampum belt. He is wearing trade silver armbands on each arm, as well as wristbands, medals and earhweels."

Until next week, Happy (History) Hunting.

-Ash