It seems like the location these are generally found in could offer clues. If they were blacksmith related I would expect them to be found closer to the buildin

It seems like the location these are generally found in could offer clues. If they were blacksmith related I would expect them to be found closer to the buildings where they would be used or stored. If they’re for a military related purpose (approximating distances) then I would expect to find them more alongside roads, and strategically relevant places. Thoughts?