Found in woods ...lever of some sort?

[Beeps in my sleep]

Found in the woods. I don't like to chuck anything away before I know what it is. I am a very curious person when it comes to finding things. What is this or what did it go to? The property has history from a barn built in 1812 all the way until now where a current home is built. Up in the woods I found this. It is Iron, Magnetic, and I gave measurements.

 

[Helix]

I have no clue. Maybe part from a suspension system? Good to save finds when you don't know what is. When I first started metal detecting I remember finding and tossing a few very questionable items . I thought the finds were just scrap. Then years later you find out you scraped the barrel to a musket rifle or something.

 

[cudamark]

It looks a little familiar but I just can't place it. If it was brass, I'd say it might be a door knocker, but I don't know, did they make any iron versions?

 

[lisfisher]

Maybe a pintle from an old iron gate??

 

[DCMatt]

Possibly a pawl from a big racheting winch?


DCMatt

 

[Beeps in my sleep]

Possibly a pawl from a big racheting winch?

View attachment 909791
DCMatt

I think you nailed it DCMatt! That is the closest I have seen! It has lived in the ground for quite some time that is for sure. Thank you and thank you everyone else who tried to help

 

[cudamark]

That was my initial thought too but the engagement tang is the wrong shape to lock a cog on a gear. All the winch pawls I've seen are ramped on one side so you can crank the gear, and sharp and abrupt on the other side so it won't unwind by itself. There is usually a tab where you can grab it and release the pawl when you want to allow the gear/shaft to turn the other way. If course, that part could have broken off but I don't see any evidence of it in the photos.

 

[Beeps in my sleep]

That was my initial thought too but the engagement tang is the wrong shape to lock a cog on a gear. All the winch pawls I've seen are ramped on one side so you can crank the gear, and sharp and abrupt on the other side so it won't unwind by itself. There is usually a tab where you can grab it and release the pawl when you want to allow the gear/shaft to turn the other way. If course, that part could have broken off but I don't see any evidence of it in the photos.

GRRRRR Now I am wanting to know again haha! I thought I finally had it pinned down and was glad I thought it was ID'd. Guess it is still unsolved Sooner or later we will find out what this elusive piece is.