ANSWER:

This is an ancient Roman horseshoe that has been dated from the 3rd to 4th century A.D. by Faganarms Inc. The shoe was worn by chariot horses and these shoes have been recovered at known battle sites.

The toe is worn from use and is facing upward in the photos. The heel is more pointed and sometimes curved slightly upward, like a spoon-heeled shoe. The shoe is forged iron and features six nail holes, three on each side.

If you have more information about the shoe, please share it with us at jcota@lessitermedia.com.

SOURCES: Esco Buff, PhD, APF-I, CF; and Faganarms Inc.