Large metal (iron) blocks

SueBru · Apr 12, 2020

Hi Everyone

We've come across 5 of these octagonal metal blocks. They range in size from 8 - 12" in diameter and they're as heavy as hell. We think they were used in the old gold mining processes, but don't know what for.

Any ideas?

Cheers

blisters · Apr 12, 2020

I have one as well. I think it's been used as an anvil or whatever it was used for impacted it. The depression in the centre is rounded and raised in the middle. It is sloped in thickness from 3.5-4 inches.

I can't recall where I got it but I did a lot of mineral exploration when I was younger so could have picked it up from an old mine site.

grubstake · Apr 12, 2020

I'm guessing they're impact plates from the old quartz crushing stamper batteries:
https://tinyurl.com/sqo47mf

I think I can see five of them in the base of this one:
https://tinyurl.com/t8yv8ju

just starting · Apr 12, 2020

Possibly a plug for an air vent above a mine on the ground level ? A bloke once showed me a hole about 10 or 15 metres above an old major mine that was on his property and queried what it it might be. The hole was about 6 inches or so in diametre and you couldn`t see the bottom of the hole ,but there was no plug. Just a thought .

blisters · Apr 12, 2020

I think you're right grubstake. Mine looks like it has had the crap bashed out of it.

SueBru · Apr 13, 2020

Thanks everyone. I think you might be right grubstake. There was an old battery not far from where we found these. Good work

RM Outback · Apr 13, 2020

Nice finds SueBru and Blisters :Y: worth some research to know how long ago the stampers were in operation.

SueBru looks like yours have copped a hammering as opposed to Blisters which is larger and possibly wasn't in use for long. If I find one at least I'll know what it is thanks grubstake :beer:

MegsyB007 · Apr 13, 2020

SueBru's one looks like it has an imprint of a horseshoe around the edge. Could blacksmiths have used them as a 'mobile' anvil in remote places?

Cheers,
Megsy

Nightjar · Apr 14, 2020

grubstake said:
I'm guessing they're impact plates from the old quartz crushing stamper batteries:
https://tinyurl.com/sqo47mf

I think I can see five of them in the base of this one:
https://tinyurl.com/t8yv8ju

:100: % correct without any doubt what so ever.

Large metal (iron) blocks

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Large metal (iron) blocks

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