Can anyone identify this item?

[cathead]

This thing is about 4 inches on a side and arrived with some machining related stuff.
Does anyone know what it might be? The body is cast iron I think.
Thanks for looking, any help appreciated.

 

[frbutts]

This thing is about 4 inches on a side and arrived with some machining related stuff.
Does anyone know what it might be? The body is cast iron I think.
Thanks for looking, any help appreciated.

looks like a special v block

 

[GOOD JOB BOB]

looks like a special v block

If I were to guess, I would have to say someone grabbed this scrap casting and altered it into a drill jig for round stock. The hole allows centering on round stock to drill and the attached wire was attached as a gage for repeatability. just a quick guess.

 

[hermetic]

I have seen something similar to this on a wagon weighbridge, I think it is some sort of sliding weight from the scale used to measure the weight of the truck being weighed. that's the best I can do for now, and TBH the sliding weights are usually machined all over, but that's what it looks like to me!
Phil

 

[Syaminab]

If it is made of zinc, it could be a perishable anode for catodic protection, in other words it must be in contact with the machine to protect it from corrosion.
If you want to learn more, find out about galvanic corrosion.

similar anodes are used on outboards and ships.

 

[cathead]

It is magnetic so not zinc. I'm sure it is some version of cast iron.
Thanks for everyone's posts so far.

 

[Almega]

It looks a lot like the groatostat from a canute valve. Those are usually chrome steel, but maybe this one wasn't finished yet.:lmao:

 

[RLWP]

It looks a lot like the groatostat from a canute valve. Those are usually chrome steel, but maybe this one wasn't finished yet.:lmao:

A left handed one too - very unusual

To me, it looks like a part of some other tool. Perhaps the bit for cross drilling something

Richard