It is a horse drawn earth moving tool. This one is
about 2.5' wide x 2' deep x 1' tall. A Y shaped
bracket attaches to harness with a clevis and to a
loop on each side of the scoop. A wooden handle on
each side extending out back. The operator pushes
down on the front to scoop up dirt, then lifts the
front until the dumping place is reached, when he
lifts the back to empty.
This one appears to have been at least partly hand
forged.
This was the primary tool used in building of the Erie
Canal. A later heavier duty version is called the
"fresno scraper".
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