Gauge Thingy Bobbers? Stamp Marks?

[Kurios1]

Howdy Folks. I found these six strange "brass" things in a spill. All but, one have stamp marks on them. Three are stamped "12 triangle 140, one is 8 triangle 900, another is 8 triangle 440, and one not stamped. They measure 1 1/4 inch x 3/4 inch. Any clue what they might be used for? Never found any before to my recollection. Thanks for your assistance. Kurios1

Forgive me for the double posting of this thread. I thought I lost this post but, I didn't. Not sure how or if I can "delete" a post?

 

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[4x4x4]

...Found you here ! My Brother believes the item to be Type setters "dogs" . They would slide in to slots to hold the letters in place....he further explains the numbers may correspond to Font Size .
....Mark. and his Brother.

 

[nhbenz]

Yes, a Linotype matrix

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Yep. Had the same things here last year.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linotype_machine

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

from Wiki link above