old auto part?

[canes2016]

While detecting along a stream I came across this part. If memory serves me correctly, 50+ years ago, I vaguely remember seeing a decaying automobile in this same vicinity. Is there any way to identify what this was and when it might have been in vogue?

 

[HuntinDog]

Maybe a few more pictures at different angles and something for size reference would help.

 

[Tony in SC]

Does kinda look like an old lamp mount for an auto or carriage?