Heavy duty iron hinge or latch? What was it used for and how old?

[FreeBirdTim]

Got a screaming iron signal in the woods today. Had to dig 10 inches down to pull this one up. Looks to be some sort of hinge or latch. It's very heavy duty, measuring 9 1/2 inches long and weighing 3/4 of a pound. Any help as to what it was used for and how old it is would be appreciated.

 

[mrs.oroblanco]

Looks like someone had a fence with a gate way back when.

Mrs. O