Strange Iron object

[Ninjafossils]

I found this strange, partially broken object about 12 inches deep in my front yard. I believe it's iron. I have no clue what it is. Any identification help would be helpful.

 

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[stevefox]

Looks like the mechanism that holds up the lid of a chest if some kind.

 

[stevefox]

Or it might be part of a sextant

 

[BosnMate]

Or it might be part of a sextant

Or part of a compass for drawing circles.