✅ SOLVED Unknown object, Material marble? Patented july 16 1889.

[snapler]

Material marble or ceramic in my eyes could be wrong. On back reads byrant 5001. front patented july 16 1889.

When i found it buried it dirt it was attached with a little strand of worn out string/rope.
https://postimg.org/image/f06uy7rfh/
https://postimg.org/image/hisjywd5p/
https://postimg.org/image/xv2lomrh9/
https://postimg.org/image/v29e4lr4t/
https://postimg.org/image/yadvhndel/

my thoughts i am thinking it might have been used as an old door knocker.
some background history that may help. found near what was but no longer an old barn.

so four questions i would like answered...
1. what is it?
2. what is the material?
3. history of the object?
4. potential value/rarity?

 

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[EccentricInTexas]

I believe its is the base of an old light fixture. But I am not certain.

 

[jewelerguy]

looks like the base for an old rotary electrical switch, made out of porcelain (non-glazed). value = 0 . this link should give you an idea of what the complete thing looked like antique rotary switches, lot of 5 surface mount light switches, architectural hardware

 

[snapler]

Thank you both for your input and answers. even though it is not worth anything i will keep it. I do like the looks of it and it is the oldest thing i have ever found.