fort find what is it?? Strange, weird, compelling

[alderan33]

Found this strange item near a fort. It is heavy lead with brass inserts that look similar to nails. The buckle somehow attaches to it as do the rivets/snaps.
In the side of the item, there is a threaded hole slightly smaller than a pencil that goes all the way through. I have never seen anything like it.
The leather straps were both intact in the ground but I apparently pulled one loose during excavation.
I threw in the nickel for size reference.
Thanks for any help identifying this bizarre-looking item. HH

 

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[silvermagnet]

some sort of pulley/weight?

 

[old digger]

I would assume that the threaded hole on the side had a set bolt that would hold a rod or pipe that went down through the center round hole. With the straps attached, it would allow someone to lift it?

 

[Breezie]

It looks vintage plumbing related to me.

Interesting find
Breezie