I dont have a clue!

[chicepo]

I don't have a clue!

This item was found in the woods along with other iron pieces and tools. The site has been dated from about 1830 to 1908. I dug it at about 8". I first thought it was a plate for a door latch, but it is solid iron about 3/8" thick 9" high and 2 1/4" wide. Has anyone come across this item before?
Site is along the Southeastern NC coast about 2 miles inland.

 

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[spartacus53]

Re: I don't have a clue!

Maybe a handle from an old skillet

 

[chicepo]

Re: I don't have a clue!

I don't think it is a handle. If it were it is a heavy as the skilet itself.

 

[Breezie]

Re: I don't have a clue!

Maybe a handle from an old skillet

Even though it does resemble an antique cast iron skillet handle, I've never seen one with that type of hanging hole. The holes are generally ovate in shape, and much larger. I think it's a broken piece to some type of tool and/or machinery, and whatever fit down in the hole also was supported by the 3 dimples. Breezie

 

[chicepo]

Re: I don't have a clue!

That was my thought also, but I can't think of what tool it might have been. We did find a guard for the teeth of a sickle mower in the same general area.

 

[traderoftreasures]

Re: I don't have a clue!

maybe leg to would burning cook stove

 

[JUNKYARD DOG]

Re: I don't have a clue!

maybe a broken breaker bar where the large sockets would fit in the hole and you
lift the handle off and then get a better bite on a large nut.

 

[lennon631]

Re: I don't have a clue!

An old window sash maybe?

 

[dozer dan]

Re: I don't have a clue!

the square hole is for a carrage or stove bolt. im thinking farm machinery

or heavy equipment part. most likely a cutting edge or sickle bar.

 

[Swingit]

Re: I don't have a clue!

Blacksmith Nail Header Of Sorts
http://www.spaco.org/Blacksmithing/Nails/Nailmaking.htm

 

[mrjosh]

Re: I don't have a clue!

An old window sash maybe?

Its the counter weight for the window.

 

[Goodyguy]

Re: I don't have a clue!

While my first thought was window sash weight .....I have not seen one with a square hole.

 

[mrjosh]

Re: I don't have a clue!

I have one somewhere here at work that looks almost identical to this one, not sure about the hole shape. I am going to see if i can find it this afternoon.

 

[Lucas]

Re: I don't have a clue!

IMHO the holes that don't go through are important. AFAIK, you don't bother to do work that isn't needed.

So, are they index pin holes, holes for some kind of 3-position lever, or more likely holes to adjust the weight of the piece? That would make it a counterweight/balance weight for some piece of machinery.

 

[mrjosh]

Re: I don't have a clue!

There three holes you are asking about Lucas are foundary marks, from the mold.

 

[Goodyguy]

Re: I don't have a clue!

Is there a hole in the end leading to the square hole?

 

[relic lover]

Re: I don't have a clue!

Blacksmith Nail Header Of Sorts
http://www.spaco.org/Blacksmithing/Nails/Nailmaking.htm

Thats what I was thinking

 

[Lucas]

Re: I don't have a clue!

If it has foundry marks, it is not a tool... at least not from the hand made nail era. Cast steel meant something else then.

 

[chicepo]

Re: I don't have a clue!

There is no hole in the top leading to the square hole. Other items that we found in area are dated around 1900 and it looks to be alot of logging in the area.

 

[bradyboy]

Re: I don't have a clue!

Valve handle?
Brady