Zinc plated iron

[White Heart]

I found this odd piece of iron 12" deep with my Equinox a couple of months ago. It rang-up as non-ferrous and appears to have been zinc plated. One edge is much thinner than the other edge.
I am unable to figure out what it is or what it was from. Does anyone have an idea?

 

[firemanphob]

looks like the things they drive in the end of railroad ties to prevent splitting.

 

[Indian Steve]

I agree

 

[Retired Sarge]

Ditto looks like a giant corrugated fastener, called a simple rail anchor used on the base of a rail.

 

[firemanphob]

Rail anchors are a lot heavier. this would have been driven into the end of a cross tie to keep it from splitting.

 

[White Heart]

Thanks firemanphob, that make sense to me. I have never seen one in a tie although I understand how it would work. It has the same taper as tool-head wedges. I don't believe this one was ever hammered on.
There was a WPA era highway/bridge yard on the property and a RR line in use from 1880 until the present 1 mile away.
More research to do, thanks again.
WH

 

[owlcreek]

Looks like part of a ornamental design on a chain link gate.