This is called a “rub iron”. It is a cylindrical tube of metal, surrounding another small metal rod that is attached to the body of a horse drawn vehicle. When a four wheeled vehicle (like a buggy) turns, the wheel to the inside of the turn angles in towards the body. Without the rub iron, the wheel would hit the body of the vehicle and potentially jam. Because the outside of the rub iron turns, the wheel can turn against it without damage to the body, or grinding to a stop. Neat, huh?
Photo: 2010 K. Blocksdorf
Comments
it looks like a hinge to me
I’m guessing it is part of a vehicle, but I’m stumped as I was on last week’s harness part!
This is called a “rub iron”. It is a cylindrical tube of metal, surrounding another small metal rod that is attached to the body of a horse drawn vehicle. When a four wheeled vehicle (like a buggy) turns, the wheel to the inside of the turn angles in towards the body. Without the rub iron, the wheel would hit the body of the vehicle and potentially jam. Because the outside of the rub iron turns, the wheel can turn against it without damage to the body, or grinding to a stop. Neat, huh?