Sounds like a ....
4.5 inch Howitzer Ammunition Trailer to me (often called limbers too).
Check the photo below - it isn't great but it is the only pic I have handy tonight. This one is missing the front "tailgate" and has the assemblies attached to the top of the box to carry a spare traversing ring for the gun.
I have found a few of these in the Northern territory but they are always missing their axles, and have always had their brass fittings, including the plate you mention, removed with chisels for scrap years ago. Check the towing eye as often the serial number and maker are stamped across the rear face of it.
These were a WW1 artillery piece that were used in conjunction with the 18 pounder field guns. During the 1930s the guns and limbers were converted from wagon type wheels to spider rims with pneumatic tyres to modernise them.
Both types of gun were declared obsolete during WW2 once good stocks of the 25 pounder gun (a dual purpose field gun/howitzer) became available.
I have slowly collected up enough remains to where I think I can build one trailer.... but am still missing lots of little pieces.
What are your plans for the trailer you have found? Is there any chance that it could become available?
Jared
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