✅ SOLVED What the heck???

[Digg'n]

So I haven't been able to get out anywhere but my yard again. Pulled this whatcha-ma-dibble-dealy-bob out next to my fence.

I'm pretty sure it copper. It looks like the center is some kind of electrical contact of some sort. Maybe an old flashlight or lighting base? No writing on it at all either.

What do you think?

View attachment 1322513View attachment 1322514

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector, Waterproof Gold Detector, Pinpoint & Terrain Modes, Professional Metal Detector - Grab it through Amazon!

[Deft Tones]

Greetings from 515.

Do you know the history of your area, especially your private land?

My property was once part of an orchard. There are still two pear trees left from that time and I'd have never known that they were so old (still producing) or what some of the odd things I pull out of my yard were parts from.

Lots of bizarre agricultural inventions were hawked in our state long ago.

Maybe some kind of pressure switch?

 

[Tuberale]

I'd say it was a radiator thermostat, Diggin. At least that's what it looks like to me.

 

[kcm]

It looks very similar to the Thingamajiggers found in Texas. The only real difference between the Texas Thingamajiggers and your Iowa Whatcha-ma-dibble-dealy-bob's is that the spiral goes the opposite direction. ...Gotta wonder though if you're actually calling yours by the right name. Seems a bit.....fUnNy to me!

 

[Bruce R]

Looks like something made to expand and contract with heat, I'd say Tuberale nailed it close enough for government work.

 

[Digg'n]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I was wondering also if it could be a thermostat. The flimsy coil was throwing me for a loop though. Iy barely takes any pressure to open it up. Could be from being in the ground so long though.

I have found copper head gaskets too so it's a good possibility.

 

[Digg'n]

Greetings from 515.

Do you know the history of your area, especially your private land?

My property was once part of an orchard. There are still two pear trees left from that time and I'd have never known that they were so old (still producing) or what some of the odd things I pull out of my yard were parts from.

Lots of bizarre agricultural inventions were hawked in our state long ago.

Maybe some kind of pressure switch?

Thanks! I'm in the 515 myself.

 

[Digg'n]

Looks like something made to expand and contract with heat, I'd say Tuberale nailed it close enough for government work.

Government work? So what your sayin is this thing has never worked from day one? [emoji12] [emoji23] [emoji6]

 

[DBANDGB]

if it is about two inches in diamiter , items like that were put inside if the greese caps on 1950s cars to stop static in in the the radios, as a kid i saw my father put it in when he put a radio in a 49 chey.

 

[kcm]

I barely remember being a kid!

 

[Anduril]

if it is about two inches in diamiter , items like that were put inside if the greese caps on 1950s cars to stop static in in the the radios, as a kid i saw my father put it in when he put a radio in a 49 chey.

Very nice ID, DB!!
Sure enough, a widget to prevent static in car radios.

1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 Chevrolet Radio Static Collectors GM P N 49478 | eBay

 

[Digg'n]

if it is about two inches in diamiter , items like that were put inside if the greese caps on 1950s cars to stop static in in the the radios, as a kid i saw my father put it in when he put a radio in a 49 chey.

Ding ding! There it is! Good deal. Thanks a lot everyone for your research on figuring this thing out. [emoji106] [emoji106] [emoji106] [emoji106]

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

if it is about two inches in diamiter , items like that were put inside if the greese caps on 1950s cars to stop static in in the the radios, as a kid i saw my father put it in when he put a radio in a 49 chey.

Fantastic I.D.

 

[Digg'n]

Very nice ID, DB!!
Sure enough, a widget to prevent static in car radios.

1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 Chevrolet Radio Static Collectors GM P N 49478 | eBay

Awesome! And 40 bucks even! Might have to keep an eye on that one and see if it sells.

Thanks again!