Doodle, Legitimate Design or Symbol?

[Avlrc]

Is this engraving just a doodle or is it a design that was used in the 1800s.   Looks like 2 box kites to me.  It was not done by the maker added later to the toe-plate.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Likely means something special to the engraver...never seen it before, or since.

[Algae]

And hope to never see it again!!

Al J.

[dogcatcher]

Looks kind of like some crude trench art that somebody "scratched" into the metal.   Sort of like students carving on desk tops or park benches.  Some people call it "folk art".  It was there, and they were bored. 

[homerifle]

I'll go along with you and say box kites too.  Maybe he spent a lot of time behind bars and missed home.
Who knows, I would say he just had some time to doodle and this is what he ended up with.

[longrifle]

Very interesting

[axelp]

i think its a crude ribbon banner

K

[Avlrc]

i think its a crude ribbon banner

K

Thanks, that makes sense. 

[JTR]

I like the effort, and like most old period engraving, I'll bet it looks a lot better actual size. And looked at from arms length, as originally intended.

John

[Tim Crosby]

 Whatever...I wish I could get my lines to start and stop as cleanly, a couple of run outs but. And as fine as the boarder, what the heck did he use on that? Naked eye? I would doubt it.

  Tim C.

[Howard]

I kind of like it for some reason.