The uses are many, including those listed by Tom, while another common usage for similar items was/is as gate and wall fillials in large estates, with smaller, spear-like heads mounted on the bars themselves.....I've seen variuos polearm heads, both simulated and real, used as such in SE Asia, the US and in photographs from S. America as well and suspect similar may be found throughout Europe.
Cast iron "replicas" are often made locally for theatrical use as well, as I've known gentlemen who produce such in both Michigan and here in Florida as well.
Oh...and don't forget flagpole fillials, both on today's pieces and on regimental/company military flagpoles from the erly 1900's back to the revolutionary period here in the US, as well as for fraternal organizations that can cover a wide range of time periods.
With the apparenty flattened edges and heavy weight, I suspect that yours may well have been used in the latter fashion.
Mike
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