🔎 UNIDENTIFIED Possible Steam Engine Fitting? Era? Any Ideas?

[USNFLYR]

Found this solid brass, very heavy item buried 8 inches deep in the sand. It was found along a confluence of two rivers near the Columbia River. It was in an area that had both farming and light industrial operations on a wharf nearby. Also, river boats ran regular routes past the area. I suspect this might be from an old engine. Maybe the petcock valve serves as a pressure relief valve? Numbers "5 56” and "3” appear (older font) stamped on it, and some type of spray holes circle the outer (large) ring. This large ring was well "worked" by tools.

Maybe this was the part of a steam engine that converted water to steam? I was hoping someone can identify and/or give an indication of usage and age.

It was a cool find and I will find some way to up gauge it and display it.

 

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[xr7ator]

I really have no idea but would think it is more likely a gas or part of a gas valve for a lighting fixture or similar.

 

[USNFLYR]

I really have no idea but would think it is more likely a gas or part of a gas valve for a lighting fixture or similar.

Thanks….that trail will "fuel" my search engine the next few hours!