What are these? May be blacksmith related.

[2oolhound]

I've come by these pieces of steel separately but both times was with other blacksmith items. I think I've seen these shapes elsewhere too but not sure what they are. The square ends are 1"x1' and 1 1/4"x1 1/4" and they are about 5" long.

At 1st I thought they must be just random chunks of steel but because I have 2 of them and I think I've seen others in the past I'm thinking they must have a purpose. Any ideas?

 

[RTM]

Is the left one dished? If so, maybe for a spoon shape.

All my blacksmith friends are at a hammer in, will ask them later.

 

[2oolhound]

A hammer in? Does that mean they're out getting hammered? OK thanks, but that dish impression is really shallow and I think it's just a flaw. Either one is not real symmetrical. I also have 1" and 1 1/4" hardy holes (in my homemade anvils) and these don't quite fit in them (but I don't see why they would).

 

[Blueshound_GJ]

Could be some kind of dogs or holding stops for an assembly bench.

 

[2oolhound]

Could be blueshound.

I should reiterate, I did make my 1" and 1 1/4" hardy holes so it could be my fault they don't fit although I'm sure I have hardies etc that do fit. Hopefully someone will recognize them.

 

[Provincial]

If they fit in a hardy hole, the rounded end would be good for making a hollow. Hold the hot metal over the tool and hammer it to make a recess or bowl.

 

[2oolhound]

Thanks Provincial, I may just grind them to fit and use them for that purpose. Your suggestion opens up another idea, place a bar in the pritchel hole and use it with these as a bending fork set up. My home made anvil with the 1 1/4" hardie hole has a 5/8" pritchel so pretty strong.

 

[leg17]

Are they cast iron?
If so, not much good for pounding.

 

[RTM]

My blacksmith friends don't recognize them.

 

[2oolhound]

leg17, I'll double check. Pretty sure they are regular still but still pretty rusty. Thanks RTM, maybe they're not related to blacksmithing.