Do you know what this is?

[gary_in_neenah]

OK guys, here's something to help pass the time while waiting for the first frost and the leaves to turn color. One of my summertime hobbies is to explore old Railroad grades left over from the logging era in Wisconsin. Armed with a metal detector and small shovel I'm always surprised at what was left behind. I've pictured an item that I found recently that was located near where a bridge or tressel would have been built. I actually found 3 of these in the same general location so whatever it is it must've been in common use. I've never seen one before and have no idea of what it is. As you can see from the photos after 100 years of rust has been removed it measures 3 inches by 3/4, it's ferrous, is beveled and has an unusual shaped hole in the middle with a notch to one side.

So, if anyone has an educated guess or firsthand knowledge of what this thing is (other than a part of a bridge or train) I'd be glad to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

Gary

 

[HIGHLANDER]

ive got some old train stuff found in lake muck when low that ice was cut from...ones even got a date on it...i can post pics if ya want? but dont want to highjack....personly tho, looks like a yammaha boggie wheel! LOL

 

[polarisrider1]

Looks like a key guide (exchion plate) for an old style key (skeleton key). Maybe off a lock box??

 

[98panther]

Timber washer or bridge washer. old version of this

http://www.grainger.com/product/Raised-Washer-2DE52?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/2DE52_AS01?$smthumb$

 

[nytro_rtx]

Timber washer or bridge washer.

Agreed, looks like some kind of washer.

 

[Pizza Man]

Railroad spick washer

 

[jebjk1]

Its an old rusty washer.

 

[gary_in_neenah]

Agreed, it's likely an old washer of some kind. I know the bridges were wooden back then and I believe that they were reinforced with metal rods and plates. The shape of the hole is what has me curious, why the small slot off center?

 

[highhertel]

I belong to the Milwaukee Road Historical Association, you might try contacting them to get some information as to how the washer was used on railroad trestles.

http://www.mrha.com/

HH

 

[gary_in_neenah]

Thanks H, I will contact them. The more I look at this thing the more I think it's a washer intended to be used with a spike. Since the spike's head is off-set it would fit in the center hole and be flush to the surface. Not sure of the purpose of that though.