I have an idea...but

[lumbercamp]

I found this along side a logging railroad and have an idea what it might be. I would like other opinions before I state what I trhink it might be. It looks like it was crudely cut with a chisel when it was red hot. Dimensions are 3/8" thick x 8"long.

 

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[Montana Jim]

I have no clue... almost looks like a latch with one pivot point and a hook type deal...

No idea.

 

[Blacksheep]

Agreed, some type of safety latch or part of safety latch mechanism. 3/8 may suggest something along the lines of furnace/stove door latch. S.W.A.G. of the day.

(EDIT: My first thought was it was part of an old chain-binder but couldn't find a pic to support that)

 

[thepoolguy]

tire chain camover?

 

[IronSpike]

A latch of sorts? RR wagon door or smaller mining bucket cars.

 

[allen]

latch or handle off of something.

 

[lumbercamp]

I wasn't thinking about a latch. It could be. I don't know what it is called, but I thought it might be the thing that keeps gears from going backwards. This would catch on the teeth.

 

[nhbenz]

Interesting item. Given the heftiness of it I don't think it could be a pawl for a ratchet wheel, as the pivot hole would need to be larger, to accommodate a beefier bolt. As always, I may be wrong.