Nice chain, what was it for

[mmocha2905]

Right on the edge of 1800s cellar hole. Not iron, well made. What was it for?

 

[fyrffytr1]

OK Mud, if it is not a bridle chain what is it? And, while I couldn't find an exact match I did find one called a lip chain.

 

[Mud Hut]

Call it whatever you wish .. in the long scheme of things, it won't really matter.

 

[mmocha2905]

Update....ok it is iron. Usually stuff like this is very rusty. Does have a little rust. So, now what is it..?

 

[dieselfool]

Could be the chain off of a set of cow shackles, which we called 'kickers'. These were attached to the rear legs to keep a cow from kicking the bucket while it was being milked. Haven't used a set since we quit milking in 1967.

 

[ticndig]

There is a large ring centered in the chain with an even number of links to both sides. perhaps it was a center point for lifting ? hay, log or ice tongs come to mind.

 

[pepperj]

Horse hobbles have a D ring on either end but can't find an example of the secure ring in the middle.

Question for mmocha did you recover any other buckles in the immediate surrounding area?

 

[mmocha2905]

No, no other buckles.

 

[NJearthman]

Shackles used in courtroom during Salem witch trials.

 

[smallfoot]

I'm not certain where the OP's chain was used, but bridles do sometimes incorporate chains and so do hobbles. I have both if you need pics.