Since I started this string I now feel compelled toi update it with a closing statement -
In my opinion as an A and P Mechanic / IA of some 36+ years - 33 of those in various roles at a major airframer including engineering, compelling evidence has surfaced that suggests that this artifact could very well have originated from the belly repairs done to NR16020 prior to the world flight.
I pursued the lav window location as a possibility because of the light guage metal and presence of light (no. 3) rivets in the majority of rows thereon; this was not consistent with primary structure in the typical case. The Lockheed L10 proves herself a stand-out in yet another way: her belly skins do include a large number of no. 3 rivets as primary strucural fasteners.
For that reason, and because there is now reason to also doubt a match to the lav area, and because of the relatively unique fastener on the L10 as I now understand it, I now believe this artifact is a strong candidate for having been a repair piece on none other than NR16020.
Are there other possibilities? Of course - but a time has come for me to seriously suggest that they are very limited indeed: AN 455 brazier rivets of no. 3 size coinciding with a similar feature in the L10 is not so common, nor are the pre-war markings we find on this sheet.
One realizes that this sheet of ruined metal 'could be anything' to many eyes and minds - but training, experience and now observation and acceptance of some hard data (photographic - see later 2-2-V-2 posts in 'General Discussion' panel) make this complex item very pointed in its meaning. The scales have tipped - if there is a better explanation as to where this came from given the web of circumstantial (but substantial to this writer) evidence we have - including plexiglass of correct curvature and thickness, etc. - I would respectfully ask the challenger to provide evidence of it.
This is of course my humble opinion, but I suggest the skeptic study and look hard if they'd offer a better idea of what became of the flight. As to where found and how it got there - a worthy consideration, consider what now appears to be strong provenance as to this part: if it came from the Electran, but not at Niku - then where else?
I merely (but now strongly) suggest that there is not a wealth of other possibilities. The reader must of course draw his own conclusions. But mine, after quite a journey, is that somehow a unique piece of aviation repair history managed to beach itself on the shores of Niku - among other nested things that support the circumstance of a stranded L10E belonging to Amelia Earhart.
More will follow as for me this is a most peculiarly complex artifact and it is as if it tells me more now than I can readily put to words in one sitting. It is my own opinion - others may of course play the odds as they will, but TIGHAR's pain-staking efforts have produced plausible material that reaches beyond reasonable doubt for me. I will close this string once I have provided what I just promised elsewhere on this site.
Hats off to those who care about and search for the lost aviators, whether they agree or not - may they always be reasoned and reasonable in their arguments.
This topic locked 1/6/2014 - see later discussions on this artifact / consideration of Electra belly skin repair.