I found this at an old mill site today (1860-1910 era mill), no clue whatsit?

[Gilligan]

Any ideas??

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

How to Research for Treasure Hunting and Metal Detecting From Lead Generation to Vetting - Grab it through Amazon!

[xtimgx]

Something to put a candle in or lightbulb(if they were around at this time?)

 

[ClonedSIM]

Yep, looks like an old light-bulb protector.

 

[rustyfind]

Looks to me like a suction strainer. The screen was held down with the tabs and is now gone.

 

[DCMatt]

By 1910, many old mills had converted to steam power. Maybe part of the steam apparatus or pipes?

Just guessing...

DCMatt

 

[ClonedSIM]

There is no writing on it at all? Is the one end solid? Looks too small to be a lightbulb cage.

A Christmas-light bulb protector?

 

[xtimgx]

The threads really seem to be some type of light cover. In a mill, it would need to be protected from hits and people being burned? I'm sure they make smaller bulbs?

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Looks to me like a suction strainer. The screen was held down with the tabs and is now gone.

Bingo! Intake strainer for a water pump hose. The bronze screen that wrapped around the outside (under the clips) is gone.

 

[slingchine]

I concur, probably from the end of a water hose (fire hose size) hooked to a pit sludge pump

 

[Gilligan]

Thanks for all the tips, I am thinking that it was some kind of suction strainer too. There apparently was a screen on it. I cannot find any writing on it. The top is solid. It was found on high ground, above the washout area near the mill.

 

[Bluezman]

Looks to me like a suction strainer. The screen was held down with the tabs and is now gone.

Amen