Nice looking, but what is it?

[coolford]

Recently I decided to make a display of soldering irons and found this item among the box full.  It is made of iron and not copper, and it was painted black.  Looks to be blacksmith made.  Is it a tool or made for display?

[oldgoaly]

A few years back I had some "irons" that showed signs of being heated but no  solder residue.  After a long search I found out they were veterinary tools. The heated iron was put in to a open joint wound to kill  the infection. I would not be surprised if that isn't one. Another  use is for bonding / sealing an edge in lost wax casting  patterns.

[coolford]

Maybe, but the entire iron part is painted black and shows no sign of ever being heated except when it was made.

[p_toad]

That looks like the thing they used on us at work.   Don't give them any ideas about heating it.   

[wvtools]

Looks like a user made bearing scraper to me.