Found in mid to late 1800s farm in georgia state.

[bartshop62]

What is this. It has fabric all around. How old is it?

 

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[Tony in SC]

Windmill brake?

 

[bradyboy]

break pad

 

[ticndig]

Fabric would have rotted , more likely Asbestos and now you've brought in your house zzzzzzzzzz.... you can thank me later..

 

[villagenut]

you sure do find the weirdest stuff....

 

[Tony in SC]

Could also be a transmission brake [park brake] for an old truck.

 

[smokeythecat]

Definitely a brake pad, as previously stated, and yes, that might be asbestos on it.