Rome New York Brass and Copper Company ID Tag # 18

Description

I have for sale this interesting piece of memorabilia from Rome New York. It is some sort of ID Tag with the number 18 on it and originating from the Rome New York Brass & Copper Company. Interestingly enough the abbreviation of the word Number  "No." above the number "!8" is written backwards which would means the engraver of the die was not paying attention well enough to what he was doing. Condition is good with no damage, just typical wear. If I had to make a guess I'd say this dates back to sometime in the mid to late 1800's. I'm not sure of its purpose but maybe someone out there in eBayland can inform me.