What is this thing?

[redhawk44]

A friend of mine brought this item in to our breakfast table this morning. We were unable to identify it, so I thought that just perhaps one of you guys/gals might be able to tell us what it is. Here are some photos of it. There appears to be a bit of leather under the clamp on the side of this thing, suggesting that it mighe be part of a harness of some sort....comments?

 

[Harry Pristis]

A friend of mine brought this item in to our breakfast table this morning. We were unable to identify it, so I thought that just perhaps one of you guys/gals might be able to tell us what it is. Here are some photos of it. There appears to be a bit of leather under the clamp on the side of this thing, suggesting that it mighe be part of a harness of some sort....comments?

The fact that it has no apparent bolt-holes or screw-holes in the casting suggests that it was retained in working position by sandwiching it between (or within) pieces of wood or metal. The free slot that is slightly adjustable in-or-out reminds me of a lock strike plate. A lock on something other than a door, I think. A large toolbox, perhaps.
What are the embossments on the casting, can you make them out?

 

[nsdq]

reminds me of a trim plane for wood working

 

[BosnMate]

First glance I thought "saw set" for setting teeth when sharpening a saw, but that was just first thought, I don't know what it is. Very interesting though.

 

[capt-zero]

I agree with nsdq, looks like a part to an old Stanley trim plane.

 

[redhawk44]

Thanks guys, I guess we will just have to think of it as a puzzlement....