Need some help on early barrel lock restraint out of old salem museum.

[Earl]

Bought this out of an estate auction in North Carolina. Looks like blacksmith made barrel lock restraint. It has a hinged loop. It was an item out of the old Salem Museum. Could use some help on the purpose and dating of the piece. thanks

[BBE]

Bought this out of an estate auction in North Carolina. Looks like blacksmith made barrel lock restraint. It has a hinged loop. It was an item out of the old Salem Museum. Could use some help on the purpose and dating of the piece. thanks

Looks a little large for a restraint unless it is just the right size for a wrist or ankle. It might be what is comonly referred to as a kit bag lock for a traveling salesman. In the 1800's in the US salesmen would have a cloth kit in which was a sample of each of their wares. They would roll it up and put such a lock around it to secure the contents.
BBE.