Does anyone know what this it?

[James]

I'm building a light fixture out of some old junk I've collected over the years. This will be part of it. It is cast iron, about 20" across. Judging by the square nuts and bolts, it is about 100 years old, and probably part of something agricultural. The arms are spring loaded, and—before it had rusted solid—it appears that you would pull the arms back to disengage them from the central piece, allowing the central piece to move forward or back. Perhaps it was some sort of tensioning component. Anyone have a clue? Thanks.

 

[Don_]

I don't have any idea but it sure is a nice piece of work.
It should make an interesting light fixture!
Don_

.

 

[Bearskinner]

It looks like part of a hay trolley system possibly?

 

[PILOON]

The 'jaws' are round shaped suggesting gripping smallish logs or possibly pipes as in to place/lay water mains.

 

[digr]

Looks like a fence strecher

 

[Steel Lilies]

I'm building a light fixture out of some old junk I've collected over the years. This will be part of it. It is cast iron, about 20" across. Judging by the square nuts and bolts, it is about 100 years old, and probably part of something agricultural. The arms are spring loaded, and—before it had rusted solid—it appears that you would pull the arms back to disengage them from the central piece, allowing the central piece to move forward or back. Perhaps it was some sort of tensioning component. Anyone have a clue? Thanks.View attachment 424View attachment 425

I love finds like this! There's a museum in Dekalb Texas with some great examples of antique tools and machinery that are marvelous mysteries.

 

[MikeyT]

I agree it does look like it was to lift pipe or the like and I’m sure it’s going to make a beautiful light fixture and a great conversation piece!

 

[mrford49]

I believe its part of a rope or cable fall its really old !