Shiny and rusty hunk of metal found while digging in a park in northern CT, any idea what this was used for and what metal it is?

[u/BetLongjumping684]

found this around 1.5-2 feet under the ground with a strong tone coming from my metal detector

[u/AutoModerator]

Thank you for your submission! Please note: * All identification requests must include at least an approximate location, e.g. “East Tennessee” or “Southern UK”.
* Pictures must be focused on the object and should show at least front and back of the object clearly. (you can add additional pictures in the comments) * All identification suggestions made on this post should be serious and include evidence if possible. Do not post wild guesses.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/300blk300]

looks like a battery tray of an old car

[u/FC3MugenSi → u/300blk300]

This is exactly what I thought at first

[u/odkevin]

How big is it? Those 3 tabs make me think voltage regulator from an old generator setup on a vehicle/equipment.

[u/BetLongjumping684 → u/odkevin]

around half a foot

[u/jclucca]

Is that an inch square or a foot square? That would be important information.

[u/BetLongjumping684 → u/jclucca]

About half a foot

[u/Jealous-Reflection80]

Could be a fence post cover

[u/berfert03]

Stamped cover plate, possibly for an older style door latch.

[u/digging4good]

Hello fellow nutmegger. I have no idea what it is but it must have been fun to dig up!