Another Unusual Piece of Hardware

[cambria09]

Hello All. I found this a few weeks ago in an old median strip built in the 1920's. It is not magnetic and has (8) evenly spaced on the top side. The flip concave side has a lot of partially drilled impressions, all of the same depth. I am thinking that maybe it is some sort of friction washer.

Thanks for the view and your opinions are welcome.

C9

 

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[Moonrover]

Hello All. I found this a few weeks ago in an old median strip built in the 1920's. It is not magnetic and has (8) evenly spaced on the top side. The flip concave side has a lot of partially drilled impressions, all of the same depth. I am thinking that maybe it is some sort of friction washer.

Thanks for the view and your opinions are welcome.

C9

Those randomly drilled dimples on the concave side are puzzling. Not logical as to why a machinist would go to the trouble to drill them to a precise depth and just place them in such randomness. Even some are overlapping the thru-holes, and edges of the "washer".

Looks like brass. Does not appear to have any circular wear marks like it would have if it had been part of a bearing race, or cranked down tight as a washer. Some bearing races are designed with lubricant retaining pockets, but this thing defies description.

Your find location does suggest this may be part of a vehicle. Maybe something lost or tossed out during roadside repair. We need the opinion of a VERY old auto mechanic, or a younger one who restores antique cars.

M

 

[creskol]

Looks a lot like a plaster washer...not saying that is what it is, but it sure does resemble one.

 

[cambria09]

Hello Creskol. Thanks for the reply. Never heard of plaster washers. Looked them up on the net and they appear to be close to the piece I found but are thinner, made of steel, and have fewer holes all of which go completely through the washer.

My piece is thicker, made of brass, and the small holes are only partially through the piece. Also the center hole is much larger.

I don't know I guess I am hoping this find is something more exotic.

Thanks again and HH.

C9

 

[Moonrover]

More close inspection now makes me think this was a sacrificial backing plate for drilling another item. Could have been on a drill press or turret lathe. How it arrived in the median strip may never be determined. Possibly fell off a work truck, or scrap transport truck.

M