Anvil tool?

[baspinall]

Found this today along with some colonial finds. Reminds me of a wedge type clamp used in the holes in top of an anvil?

Brian

 

[Rasputin]

Or a bench dog. Used the same way by woodworkers to hold whatever is being worked on to their workbench.

 

[johnnyi]

That is one neat find baspinal. I think the trouble with the anvil angle is that the hardie hole is square and the prichel hole is round (and there's not much else to fit this rectangular end into). I have no idea what it is. Was the rectangle broken off something larger? I'm just asking because it almost looks like a stud to drive into wood for dragging a sledge maybe (but you'd think the stud end would be longer?)

 

[haybudden2]

I don't think it's a hardy or pritchel hole tool either.
I would guess a decorative or accent nail/spike to
driven into a door or beam.
A short soak in muriatic acid and water will reveal
whether its made of wrought iron, will show a
course long fibrous texture, used thru late 1800s,
or a smoother tighter texture indicating more
modern steel. Could even be cast. It appears to be
hand forged. Interesting piece though.
good find.

Hay2

 

[traderoftreasures]

looks like a top to a wrought iron fence to me just my first guess