Well, what is it?

[nyiangelo]

Dug this today at a site that dates 1860-present. At first I thought it was a candle snuffer. I think I have ruled that out. The piece of metal hanging off is solid, no hole in it. You can notice that the outside was once round and the inside pieces were probably also. Any help appreciated.

 

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[aa battery]

gas or oil lantern coller. best guess

 

[AU24K]

gas or oil lantern coller. best guess

I agree. Part of an old kerosene lamp fitter.

Scott

 

[kuger]

Yup!!!

 

[Brian(upstateNY-Central Fla.)]

Yup I agree with everyone thats it

 

[mojjax]

Double Yupp !

 

[AU24K]

Upon closer examination of the first picture, it appears to be the top part that swings up on a hinge to expose the wick prior to lighting. The hinge part is in the front of the bottom of it in that picture. The rest of the fitter would be the part that actually held the wick and at the bottom it would screw onto the lamp base, usually made of glass, brass or copper, depending upon it's intended useage.
Scott

 

[nyiangelo]

Oh ok. Thanks. Do you know what that rod sticking out would be used for?

 

[Mich. Wolverine]

The rod was to adjust the wick up or down.

Wolverine.

 

[mick56]

Here's one in better shape.

 

[AU24K]

I'm not sure that the rod sticking out was to adjust the wick. The rod to adjust the wick is located in the bottom part. This rod may have been to facilitate the lifting of the cover.
These pictures are from my closest kerosene lamp for purposes of a photographic comparison.

Scott

 

[Mich. Wolverine]

I have found a whole one exactly like that one and if you look at the last picture you can see the two gears with the teeth on it poking through. I have found more than 100 of those things and that's the only one with the adjuster at the top. I guess it must not of worked to well and they didn't make them for very long.

Wolverine.