Found in old syrup mill in deep woods

[History Detective]

Found this strange shaped object in the ruins of an old syrup mill in East Texas. The object is very heavy maybe cast iron...and about the size of a base ball. One end has a screw type piping and the other end has a bolt type end. It os hollow inside.
The syrup mill dates back to the early 1900's and has very few visitors since it is located on my friend's private property. There were some old home sites in the area ( all long gone since the early 1900's ) but I did notice a few old car parts scattered throughout the woods but this doesn't look like anything I've seen coming out of a car. Any ideas?

 

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[traderoftreasures]

I've seen something like this on a weather vane or a lightning rod.

 

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[Bigcypresshunter]

I've seen something like this on a weather vane or a lightning rod.

the ones I see are glass but maybe

 

[History Detective]

The steam trap is a close call, I agree the concept seems to be the same, what would this be used for?
Also, on the weather vane idea, how would that function? AS you can tell I'm no Engineer....
I'll post more pics in the threads as requested...

 

[TiredIron]

Crude hot water heater or Expansion chamber ? Just a wild guess

I'm going go with "burnt Chimney"....if the round object is a hollow vessel I think its an expansion chamber to prevent "knocking" in a pressure system.

TiredIron

 

[Drt Dvl]

My guess.... top of an old flagpole.. minus the eagle

 

[History Detective]

Well, looks like we found out (finally) what the thing is...its a part off of hydrostatic lubricator from a steam engine, circa 1870...which makes sense cause there was probably a train that ran thru the area where the syrup was being produced to transport it out of the woods. So the guesses on the expansion chamber were right on target. I tried to post the pictures of the part on an assembled lubricator that I found on the internet but I'm having trouble posting the link...( I'm a newbie)...
Thanks for everyones help and ideas!

 

[kyphote]

You can just copy and paste the link into your message. We can do the rest. Interested to see it.

 

[History Detective]

I'm having problems but I will keep trying!

 

[History Detective]

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/steam-engine-hydrostatic-lubricator-large-detroit#

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I'm having problems but I will keep trying!

Great ID. Thats it. eBay pic I think fyrffytr1 first called it. Green check.

 

[History Detective]

http://www33.brinkster.com/iiiii/mccoy/

This link shows the same part at the bottem with a hand knob/wheel. The previous link shows it at the very top minus the line running from its top threaded part...
This is my first posting on treasure net and its been a blast!

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

http://www33.brinkster.com/iiiii/mccoy/

This link shows the same part at the bottem with a hand knob/wheel. The previous link shows it at the very top minus the line running from its top threaded part...
This is my first posting on treasure net and its been a blast!

Is this it? Maybe you can help us ID some other items.

 

[History Detective]

Hello Bigcypress,
That could be one also but I think if you look at the other diagram in the link it shows steam flow movements with arrows.....

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

We have a whole list of unsolved items here if you enjoy researching.

 

[History Detective]

HA! Yea, I noticed that! I'm alittle intimidated/impressed with the other guys' ability to solve these!
I do love the mystery of it all though, so I'll throw my two cents worth in when I think I have some idea...
I also like the other forums of what people are finding with their detectors...I've had this metal detector in my closet for 10 years ( not kidding ) and finally took it out with some friends this past weekend and this was one of the finds...I thought of you guys and gals as soon as we were scratching our heads at it...
I really want to find some old coins, ( They are easier to i.d.)!

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I used to coinshoot back in the 70's when it wasnt as popular. I think its time to dust off the old Whites.

 

[History Detective]

Wow, and I'll bet there was alot more out there to find cause of it!
I have a Garrett Treasure Ace 100. It was probably a good detector at the time technonlogy wise...) its 12 years old but brand new cause I have never used it )!
I am looking to buy something newer...
I have been wanting one with an i.d. on it... a screen that will tell me if its a coin or not..
I have considered a used Whites 5500 id and also a Garrett ACE 250...
Do you or anyone have any suggestions on something that is easy to use and under the $275.00 price tag?

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Wow, and I'll bet there was alot more out there to find cause of it!

Yes not only was there more to find but there were no zincolns. Most of the coins found were pre-64 silver.

I have considered a used Whites 5500 id and also a Garrett ACE 250...
Do you or anyone have any suggestions on something that is easy to use and under the $275.00 price tag?

The 2 that I suggest is the Ace 250 and the other one is called Fisher f-2 I think.

 

[History Detective]

Thanks! What is it that you like about the Ace 250?

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Thanks! What is it that you like about the Ace 250?

Everyone will tell you its one of the best detectors for the money. The only thing I dont like about it is the beeps. There are only 3 different tones and they are all loud. In other words, there are no weak signals.