Iron Spike Found near Gardiner, Montana

[Snakeman63]

I found this iron spike near Gardiner, Montana on the side of a hill leading down to the river about 50 yards from the water. It was stuck up under a scrub brush and I could find no other items near this spike. Possibly unrelated, but I found a rock nearby with two holes bored/chiseled all the way through the rock.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - Grab it through Amazon!

[JackalopeZL1]

Looks like a chisel. It has had many a hammer take a whack on it.

 

[unclemac]

did the spike fit in the holes?

 

[against the wind]

Cape Chisel,, used for cutting grooves.
Congrats

 

[Snakeman63]

Yes it has...to the point where pieces have chipped off the perimeter. Would the design and shape and pitted/gouged fabrication of the spike provide an indication of its age?

 

[Snakeman63]

Yes it does. The holes were about 1/4" to 3/8" larger than the chisel.

 

[Snakeman63]

Sweet. I wondered why the pointed end was flared out. Any indication of approximate time frame for fabrication?