Featured OPEN ∆ DOOR

I was digging a waterline trench today and turned up this thin brass plate. Looks like there may have been some plating on it originally. Any idea how old it is?

 

I see the font as sole possibility to - at least - limit the time frame a bit.
I'd start by counterchecking with the modern serifs.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Modern_serif_typefaces

 

Isaiah 45:2-3. The text is difficult to read from your photograph, but if you can transcribe it you may be able to find the particular Bible translation that was used, which might help date it. It does not appear to be the King James version.

 

Here is a better photo after it is cleaned up a bit. This measures 2"x3"

 

I will go before you and level the mountains. I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places that you may know that it is I the Lord the God of Israel who call you by your name. Isaiah 45 2-3

It may be the English Standard version.

https://biblehub.com/isaiah/45-3.htm

 

geez , that god of Israel must be one tough mutha.......

 

The text is at least after the Revised Standard Version (RSV), first published in 1952, which eliminated most of the archaic English "thees" and "thous", using them only when addressing God.

This website allows you to enter a chapter and verse, and then select from various versions for the translation:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+45:2-3&version=RSV

The key differences in this passage seem to be "level the mountains" vs "exalted places", or "make the rough places smooth"; "cut through the bars" vs. "asunder"; and the use of "hoards" vs "riches".

The closest I have found are the Revised Standard Version (RSV - 1952), the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV - 1989), and the English Standard Version (ESV - 2001). But each has one word different from the version on Rob's little brass plate.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revised_Standard_Version#Alterations_in_1962_printings

I assume from its size that it was meant to be carried in a wallet or pocket, like a business card. It does not appear to have any holes that would indicate it was attached to something.

 

May have come from an Open Door Society/settlement house. They were all over the northeast US, in Canada, and the UK (in fact most settlement houses in the US) were initially inspired and/or based on one in the UK whose name escapes me at the moment.

In the late 1800’s - early 1900’s, (if I recall correctly) they started popping up all over the east coast area, and there are still a couple famous ones in NYC.

Where is the trench where you found it?

 

If you dig up a door, don't open it!

 

why ? is the kingdom of Cthulhu behind it ?

 

Perhaps it is a coffin plate?

 

" the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places?" Sounds dicey to me!

 

Uh-oh. That's going to be a lot of paperwork.

 

OTOH it could just be a pocket piece or the brass off a paperweight. It's a reminder that G-D has an app for that. He/she made the mountain, and can flatten it with a side-eye.