A questioner said:

Found these at a flea market. The metal pieces are riveted on. Any idea what these were used for?

More info:

There aren’t any obvious signs of wear on the wood, even though they appear to be quite old. There is no writing on either of them. They are about 6” square made from wood and metal. I thought they might be detachable handles of some kind, but there is no wear on the wood, just a nice patina from age.

Some of the comments:

1. No idea what the item is, but those aren’t rivets, they are what is called carriage bolts. The square bit below the bolt head presses into the wood and prevents it from turning as you tighten the nut.
2. Spool type things for winding yarn or something? This one is killing me because I swear I’ve seen them before!
3. Furniture removalists handles, puts a handle on a strap, or joins straps, lowers the friction so the strap doesnt burn the thing being strapped.
4. I’m thinking some kind of old tie down buckle for straps, antique rectangular d-ring maybe.
5. I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to figure this out. My last guess for now is some kind of shackle. I was thinking for a wagon or something, because of the wood and age, but still not sure. Resembles metal leaf spring shackles still used today.
6. Something in my brain says you put a 2×4 through each one and somehow make a temporary sawhorse or something…
7. They resemble modular inserts for a conveyor belt
8. Do the round pieces roll? Or are they static? From them being bolts, I imagine that they are static?
9. One side seems darker than the other and more worn. Seems handmade. My guess would be some kind of antique tie down tool. What we use ratchet straps for now. It looks like there is wear in the inside and edges of the wood like a rope has worn it away. Possibly a tire stand?
10. Used like a belt buckle for leather or rope to secure loads on old horse drawn carriage dont know name
11. they look like Fence pad locks
12. They look like an old tire store display stand. No wear on them that I can see.
13. Maybe some part of a hand-operated laundry machine?
14. I’ve seen similar things used for extending western saddle stirrups.
15. Maybe a carrier for something that’s not attached anymore. Firewood carrier. Horse tack carrier.

What do you think? Let us know in the comment!

Read More: The whole internet collaborated and couldn’t find what this is. I’m not sure what this is, ninety percent of people don’t know too…

Flea markets often serve as treasure troves for those with a penchant for the peculiar. Amongst the throngs of trinkets and antiquities, every so often, an item emerges that stirs curiosity and leaves its discoverer pondering its origins. Such is the case with a recent find – a collection of enigmatic metal pieces, adorned with rivets, discovered nestled amidst the eclectic offerings of a local flea market.

The pieces in question are a testament to craftsmanship, each bearing the hallmark of meticulous construction and a sense of purpose. Their design suggests utility, yet the exact function remains elusive. What were these intriguing artifacts used for? This question echoes in the minds of those who chance upon them, sparking speculation and intrigue.

The riveted metal pieces, with their weathered patina, evoke a sense of history, hinting at a bygone era when craftsmanship was paramount, and each item served a distinct purpose in daily life. Their discovery raises a myriad of questions: Were they components of a larger apparatus, perhaps part of a vintage machine or mechanism now lost to time? Or do they belong to a more utilitarian realm, serving in the construction of structures or vehicles?

One cannot help but wonder about the hands that crafted these pieces and the stories they hold. Were they forged in bustling workshops by skilled artisans, or fashioned by a lone craftsman in a modest workshop? The craftsmanship exhibited in their construction speaks to a time when attention to detail and durability were valued above all else.

As with any mystery, speculation runs rampant. Some enthusiasts suggest that the pieces may have been part of agricultural machinery, serving a vital role in tilling the land or harvesting crops. Others propose more esoteric theories, positing that they could have been components of vintage household appliances or even elements of decorative ironwork adorning grand estates of yesteryears.

Yet, for all the conjecture, the true purpose of these metal pieces remains shrouded in mystery. Perhaps therein lies their allure – the tantalizing prospect of uncovering the truth behind these relics of the past. Every flea market find has a story to tell, and these riveted metal pieces are no exception.

For now, they stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era, inviting speculation and prompting imagination. As they find their way into the hands of collectors and enthusiasts, one can only hope that their secrets will eventually be revealed, shedding light on their enigmatic past and adding another chapter to the rich tapestry of history. Until then, they remain a testament to the enduring allure of the flea market, where the past meets the present, and mysteries await discovery amidst the jumble of curiosities.