✅ SOLVED Buckle

[can_slaw]

Found at a former farm about 4" deep

 

[creskol]

It is an old harness buckle.

 

[olroy70]

looks like part of a headstall..... where the different leathers connect

 

[BosnMate]

Agree with creskol, horse harness. To large for a headstall. See photo.


In the next photo, they show the crupper. If you look a little forward towards the pony's head, you will see straps coming down to holed the breeching in place. It's not found on all harness, some use metal rings, others leather, but my SWAG is your find came from that location, on top of the rump. It distributes the straps for the crupper and breeching.

The same item is also used on dog harness, but again, it's smaller.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Definitely a draft/draught (heavy hauling) animal (horse, oxen, etc.) harness buckle. Although it looks similar to a headstall buckle (see the photo below), it is MUCH larger than a headstall/bridle buckle. Compare its size with the digger's hand. Also, there is another difference from the headstall buckle... note that it has an integral "tongue" (prong) on the fourth side, partly obscured by the digger's fingers. It is actually for where four leather harness-straps connect. At this very large size, it might be a harness backstrap buckle.

 

[BosnMate]

CBG, looks like we pushed the send button about the same time. Number 32 on CBG's picture.

 

[can_slaw]

You guys are amazing! This type of professional response is exactly what I hoped a site like this would bring. Thank you so much for clearing up my buckle question!