Axel off of what?

[SMS]

Metal detecting in Va at an 1800 built home. Found this about 6" down. Shenandoah Valley of Va. The biggest thing I have dug. Any idea, wagon or motor vehicle. Iron and very heavy probably weighs 80 pds. Has tapered long end shafts with rectangle holes on end of taper. Two round holes about 1/3 in from both ends. It is slightly thinner in the middle. Total length is about 6'. Thanks

 

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[kcm]

All I can tell you is it's from some sort of horse/ox-drawn wagon or cart.

 

[AU Seeker]

Best guess is a military axle which were most often metal, wagon and or cannon, but it could also be a farm wagon or buggy but most early farm wagons and buggies that use lynch pins had a wooden axle, the square hole is for a lynch pin that keeps the wheel from coming off.

 

[SMS]

Thanks Kcm & AU Seeker very helpful