You sure find the neatest stuff out there! I haven't a clue as to what it is or its purpose, but possibly associated with a wagon or early auto. And it appears to have weathered very well. Oh, and thanks for turning down the temperature ... 
DAW
~When You Live in Nevada, "just down the road" is anywhere in the line of sight within the curvature of the earth.
~When You Live in Nevada, "just down the road" is anywhere in the line of sight within the curvature of the earth.