Unknown small iron relic. Logging, farm or railroad related maybe...

**turtlefoot13** · Nov 25, 2011, 10:32 PM

Hi All,

I got out for a little bit today and found this little thing. No idea what it is, but it was found in an area that had logging, railroad and farming/ranching activity since the 1880's. Logging and railroad 1880's - 1910's and farming/ranching 1910's - present. Other items found in the area have been railroad spikes, plow blades, misc wrenches, zinc canning lids, bullet casings, pocket knives, shotshell heads, nails and misc. pieces of rust. If anyone has any idea, I would really appreciate hearing them.

Thanks,
Doug

**Brian C.** · Nov 25, 2011, 11:17 PM

Interesting find, I would take a wire brush to it, then you might see more of it. Here is an odd item I found in a ghost town, I think the blacksmith may have had something to do with this.

**turtlefoot13** · Nov 25, 2011, 11:25 PM

Thanks for the post. You have an interesting find there. I really need to clean this up a little more to see if there is anything that I might be missing.

Doug

**pganjon** · Nov 26, 2011, 07:11 PM

Hi, The first item kinda looks like a flint lock hammer for maybe a pistol

Not sure, just kinda reminds me of that with a side profile. God Bless

Paul

**mr-dig-it** · Nov 26, 2011, 08:52 PM

I don't know what it is, but it looks ke a piece of broken chain link in the loop part. There may have been more to the base and has broken off. Might have been on a wood item with a chain attached to it.

**Noodle** · Nov 28, 2011, 09:05 PM

Something that corroded needs electrolysis, unless you plan on filing it down. Good luck!

**turtlefoot13** · Dec 01, 2011, 10:30 PM

Thanks for the replies everyone! I really appreciate it. I will be digging out the electrolysis equipment soon, as the ground is starting to freeze. I will see what's under all of the rust.

Doug

**creskol** · Dec 02, 2011, 09:38 AM

I think that is an old "body chain eye" off of a wagon. A "body chain eye" is mounted to the box of a wagon and is what the end gate chains are hooked to.

**turtlefoot13** · Dec 05, 2011, 10:01 PM

You know Creskol, I think that you are right. I might have a chance to look at a couple of old wagons this weekend at a local museum. If I do, I will be looking closely.

Doug