what did I find tonight? Looks like iron but isnt??

[inspectorgadget]

Dug this tonight it was +80 to +83 VDI on my MXT & about 4-5" deep. Looks like iron but it isn't or at least doesn't ring up as such. Weighs heavy at 13.5 grams, it's about 1 1/4" diameter & right at 1/8" thick.

One side (I assume the backside) slightly protrudes in 2 spots right where the hole is at it's thinnest point, almost as if it broke off of something. The other side is flat.

Looks almost like keyhole for an old lock or like an electrical outlet trim piece. The 2nd pic shows the back side or the side that has the slight protrusions the other 3 pics are the other (front) side

Any ideas? Looks rough to me & in no way modern. Looks like something an old blacksmith made.

 

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[inspectorgadget]

I rechecked & my MXT is reading it at between +80 to +83 VDI, I get a real strong zip from it in prospecting mode.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

It reminds me of one of the clips that hold the brake shoes on inside a drum brake.

 

[Dihren]

Keyhole? Im stumped

 

[mick56]

Ken has it. Brake shoe spring retainer.

 

[PYRATE]

This is just a shot in the dark, but I think it might be part of an old leather tool handle.

I've got an old leather handled ball peen hammer and this piece looks almost identical to the leather washers which (when stacked) make up the leather part of the handle.

After losing a number of the washers, I pushed them all to the bottom and dipped the entire handle in rubber tool dip so I'm unable to look, but I do recall that there was at least one metal "disk" which freely slid with the layers.

I found these pics of some generic leather washers and a slightly similar hammer handle online. When I get a chance I'll look under my workbench to see if I can find any more of the washers which fell off before I repaired it, but I know I replaced as many as I could find before dipping it in the rubbery goo.

 

[inspectorgadget]

Keyhole? Im stumped

If it is a keyhole to something, the key was huge, like real old time jail keys.

 

[inspectorgadget]

It reminds me of one of the clips that hold the brake shoes on inside a drum brake.

Ken has it. Brake shoe spring retainer.View attachment 658992View attachment 658993

I think you are right however there are differences but I'm sure there are differences in the part from different models & makes. This had to come off an old car, I did find a piece of metal dashboard & part of a door handle from a late 50's or early 60's Cadillac in the same yard so chances are you guys are right!

Thanks!