Locking mechanism or some sort?

Hey folks,

I am uploading some photos of an item that was found in our museum today. It is a block of wood with metal plates screwed into it to be flush with the surface of the wood. There is also two pieces of metal connected by a metal latch that loosens both pieces to fit something inside of it and then tightens to grip onto it firmly. Please find photo below.

Also, a brief disclaimer -- I appreciate all of your feedback. Unfortunately because I am uploading these from work, I can't always check my Alerts as I can get pretty busy with other projects. I will do my best to chime in from time to time. Cheers!

 

I want to say a horse snowshoe...
https://www.vintagewinter.com/products/19th-century-horse-snowshoe
https://www.hhhistory.com/2019/02/horses-wearing-snowshoes.html
https://www.snowshoemag.com/2015/10/03/snowshoes-for-more-weighty-creatures/

 

I think that is what this is! I really appreciate it!! Thank you so much!!

 

Wow! @Phil F. How did you know? I looked at this post early on & was going to suggest something to do with horses (I thought maybe something a farrier used) based on this photo



then decided I didn't know what I was talking about & checked out. Equine snowshoes. Who knew? Phil did!