Copper ID Tag

I was hunting a older homesite in a corn field and found this copper ID tag and when I first dug it, I was thinking I might of had a Slave tag or possible Dog tag, but that of course was wishful thinking and not really for sure what it's from.
It's about 1 inch by 1 inch and reads on the front:
                                         M & R
                                           F
                                        P     L
                                       M.C.CO.
on the rear it has 268 with a Star on each side of the trio of numbers.

                         Anyone seen anything like it?
                          Sorry the pic is alittle blurry

                             Thanks, Nova Treasure


                   

FWIW I've seen "M C Co" as an abbreviation for "Motor Car Company".  I would have thought it pre dated automobiles but I'm a real novice at this. 

FWIW I've seen "M C Co" as an abbreviation for "Motor Car Company".  I would have thought it pre dated automobiles but I'm a real novice at this. 

Thanks Bramble for your reply, I will check into this,I also would think it might be earlier, but it's possible. I have found different things in some crazy places.

                         Great Detecting to you,
                                               Nova Treasure

It's a neat item.  I wish I could help more.  I'll probably check on it in a few other places - will let you know if I find any leads.