Help with ID

[Goldstar1]

Does anyone have any idea what this is? it measures appx 2.2" x .75" x .25" . I have found them in several late 1880s spots but not sure what they are. Thanks

 

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[Tony in SC]

Looks like half of an insert that would hold a round rod. Maybe top part from old buggy or car.

 

[Simon1]

Possibly a two piece "Expansion" sleeve for wood or concrete ?

 

[ToddsPoint]

Part of a plug and feather used to split rocks. Gary

 

[Rookster]

I'm with Simon1. Some sort of anchor. Wall or concrete.

 

[DiggerKid2003]

Half of a screwdriver handle? I find them all the time like that.

 

[A2coins]

Anchor also

 

[Reanm8er]

Interesting and puzzling find!

Modern day concrete inserts are usually made of a soft material like lead or plastic. This is so the screw thread can grab them. I did notice the small ridge running long ways on the outside. That would indicate the need to prevent it from twisting, as you screwed something into it. You might clean the inside a bit to see if you see any evidence of threading.

Feathers for splitting stone are usually barbed on the inside to allow the barbed wedge to grab them.

Seems too small for a screwdriver handle and would be pretty hard on the hands.

Reference "Early screw anchors" and see what comes up.

 

[Goldstar1]

Thanks for the ideas . I thought this would be an easy one, Hmmm
I dont think it is an anchor , at least for cement since I have only found these at late 1800s sites with nothing resembling cement only old log structures if any , also there are no threads . Also I dont think screwdriver , it just dosent seem practical. Thanks for all the great ideas though I appreciate it .

 

[buck8point]

Could we possibly see pics of both ends?
it appears to be cast iron, can you confirm?
maybe add a Coin for scale?
Also for context, what other things are you finding along with them?
Would help to know what kinda site they are found at as well.
Home site, barn, blacksmith, general store, Etc.

 

[Reanm8er]

If you've collected a number of these things show em to us. There might be some subtle differences one to the other that might be a tip. My first impression was a barrel wedge. The wedge that was used to anchor a muzzle loading barrel into the stock of a rifle or pistol. There again, they were mostly brass or steel and I can't imagine what the concave shape and the ridged backbone would be for. Show us some others with a memo where you found them, surrounding wise.

 

[Goldstar1]

Thanks for the interest and ideas , here is a picture of another one from a while back in a totally different area but the same time period, late 1880s western mining camp. I might have a couple more and I probably left a couple , I know I have found a few of them. I cant really say what type of residence they came from because the structures are long gone but among them were the typical trash from the time period, buttons , buckles, spent casings, clock parts , nails , cans , glass etc. I do notice on this one in the picture here the rib does not extend the whole way up the side . The are made of iron .

 

[Goldstar1]

Here is a better picture , and it almost looks like something is broken off the tip but it could just be from the casting .

 

[Reanm8er]

I think you said the magic word at "Mining Camp". Gold is often trapped in cracks in large rocks. feathers and wedges are the most efficient way to crack that rock open with minimal effort. I think Gary's right.

Great work Gary!