I think is could be part of a fence/gate hasp, latch? Handle to a gate or cabinet? Small log dog? I have been finding iron square nails at this site. Any info is appreciated.
Tony,I have to dis-agree,I am not sure what these were utilized for but I have dug them in remote camps that were abandoned by the 1860's...far before the invention of Romex....
These items have been variously attributed as everything from fastening clips from wagons to hoof picks for horses and mules.
The fact that these steel/iron relics are predominately found in context with mid-19th Century artifacts, supplies at the very least approximate date provenance.