✅ SOLVED Large Cast Iron Disc

[USNFLYR]

Shown in the left side of this photo of relics already identified (and cleaned up with a coating of Gemplers), is a very heavy and layered disc. It was so corroded my detecting buddy laughed when I brought it back. It is flat on one side and doesn’t appear to have threads in the hole. I suspect some kind of counter balance weight or a "washer"? Logging, farming and rock quarry are nearby….

Sorry for the absence of dimensions or weight….just hoping one of you know what this is and can chime in……

 

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[DizzyDigger]

Looks like a weight you'd find in a set of weightlifting weights.

 

[USNFLYR]

Looks like a weight you'd find in a set of weightlifting weights.

Sure does….of course….not being a gym rat I wouldn’t know!

 

[robertk]

I've not seen a weightlifting plate with a raised center like that. Maybe a wheel or part of a pulley?

 

[creskol]

It is either a stiffener/washer for an agriculture disc (some had round holes some had square holes) ... OR .. a hub washer for an old wagon wheel.

 

[Tony in SC]

It is a stiffener/washer for an agriculture disc.

creskol got it! It's called a bolster washer. Used on many things. It is designed to spread the force when bolt is tightened. Used alot on timbers.

 

[Blackfoot58]

I’d vote for a retaining washer of
some sort. Creskol’s wagon wheel idea sounds possible.

 

[pistol-pete]

Have seen these Bolster washers on many old wood bridges, bolting them together

 

[creskol]

creskol got it! It's called a bolster washer. Used on many things. It is designed to spread the force when bolt is tightened. Used alot on timbers.

Have seen these Bolster washers on many old wood bridges, bolting them together

Yes .. I have even seen them used in architecture as brick wall supports. They were used in many applications. I only chose a disc or wagon since they coincide with where it was found.

 

[USNFLYR]

Great answers! The sizing looks right for a stiffener/bumper washer (plows, etc). But all those have square holes (not circular like mine). I have collected a few of the bolster washers that most like came from a pier/wharf. It makes sense that this could have been used for that. The bolsters I have are much smaller though….

I have always thought the wharf had some sort of small gauge rail, to carry rocks/stones in mine carts. They were loaded and delivered to barges to be turned into cobble stones for roads. Maybe creskol's axle idea deserves my attention too!

 

[USNFLYR]

It is either a stiffener/washer for an agriculture disc (some had round holes some had square holes) ... OR .. a hub washer for an old wagon wheel.

Thanks for the great answers!

 

[USNFLYR]

Have seen these Bolster washers on many old wood bridges, bolting them together

Yup….could’ve been used for Timbers on a wharf….thanks.

 

[USNFLYR]

I’d vote for a retaining washer of
some sort. Creskol’s wagon wheel idea sounds possible.

Checking this theory. Thanks!

 

[USNFLYR]

Looked at other possibilities....and best theory is the Bolster Washer. I'll call this one SOLVED. Thx