Foreign object in a straight eight cylinder head

I have this small series cylinder head from the 1940s, and have never needed it until now. So, we took out the valves and springs to check it for cracks, etc. and found this piece wedged next to one of the valve stems, on the underside of the head! It is about one inch by one inch, fairly heavy metal, with two small holes drilled near one edge. It wasn't interfering with the operation of the valve, although the valve stem has worn a slight indentation between the two holes. Any idea what it is? It must have done one heck of a job on the piston before it became wedged above the valve. Valve does not seem to have any damage at all.

Pete Phillips, BCA #7338

Leonard, Texas

Those edges look like something home made. Can't imagine something like that passing an intake let alone passing an exhaust valve. I would think it was something used to hold parts on a shelf during the manufacturing process and whoever first noticed it missing is probably still wondering whatever happened to it.

That resembles the guard beneath the ignition switch on my '50. I agree with john, did not enter through a valve. Therefor must have been in the head or cyl at assembly.

Ben