spiked bracket thing

[Nail Digger]

I found two of these iron objects within inches of each other and about four feet from the fireplace of an old homesite ruins, about 5 inches down. They measure 8 1/2" long and 6 3/4" wide (from outside to outside of the tabs on the u-shaped portion). Thickness is 1/2" at the thickest point. Each tab has a 1/4" hole in the center. There is distinct flattening and mushrooming in the inside of the u-shaped section (photo #3), from hammering the spike home, I assume. The house burned in the early 1900s, and I know it was occupied back to the mid 1800s, possibly earlier. It may have been of log construction. These objects look strangely familiar to me, but on the other hand, I have no idea what they may be. Since two were found together, I assume they may have been used in pairs? I was hoping that electrolysis would reveal markings, but no such luck.

 

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[DCMatt]

I want to say they are part of a firedog...

But something doesn't seem quite right...

DCMatt

 

[nhbenz]

Perhaps a pipe support bracket?

 

[watercolor]

Since you found them close to the fireplace, maybe some type of bracket/anchor that was driven into a wooden fireplace mantel?

 

[Monty]

Spur? M nty

 

[Nail Digger]

I want to say they are part of a firedog...

But something doesn't seem quite right...

DCMatt

I think this is what made them seem familiar to me. The problem is, these having the obvious marks made from hammering them into a log, or whatever. The hammer marks are actually much more pronounced than they appear in my photo. Also the mounting holes. I have already found one of the fireplace andirons, big and heavy. I think the other one may be lying under the collapsed fireplace.