what is this and how old?

King, how big is it? I am not familiar with US coins.

Maybe a cuff of a perfume bottle, that goes around the neck of the bottle? A lid could be attached to the loop by way of a chain.

 

A penny is roughly 19mm in diameter, so the OP's item is probably about 17mm. (this is one reason I used to put pictures of AA batteries in jewelry auction listings. Coins may not translate, but batteries are the same everywhere.)

 

Forgive me, but I fail to understand why people use coins for perspective, unless they only intend to sell in their own country, I suppose. As an American who sometimes buys internationally, it's been a bit of an annoyance at times. I've also seen American listings that use an obscure/uncommon American coin for perspective, which leaves me just as baffled... and annoyed that I now have to google the coin and find out its size.
A small ruler is much more accurate and useful. JMHO, of course!

 

not sure how many folks keep a ruler at home anymore..... but I get your point !!

 

The problem with rulers is some folks can't do "size" in their heads. Spatially challenged, poor things.

 

Seriously?!
I use a ruler frequently, for lots of reasons/stuff other than antiques.

 

ya, and I still use cash money.....which gets looks !!!

 

Brass Loupe missing its lenses?

 

if they can't do it on their phones, they don't do it.

 

Thanks.

Ditto.

True.
I generally use BIC lighters or paperclips. BIC lighters are used worldwide.
Of course there are several sizes paperclip, but no one has asked so far.

 

There are a lot of ruler apps.....

I either state measurements in my listing or photograph with an L ruler, or both. I actually had to purge rulers recently as I think the spouse and I had about 15 types between us... Sometimes the same sets even. Artists, though...

Reddit uses bananas for scale and that's my favorite.

 

bananas.....?
they come in teen to pornstar size.....how is that reliable ???

 

there was a day when everyone had a Bic......now maybe not so much...

& I keep one around...but it's the mini !!

 

I only sell very small items.

 

Bananas don't brag.

 

the big thick ones always seem to be at the top of the pile !!!!!!!!!!!

 

Reddit's got jokes.

Sounds like you'd fit in over there.