whatchamacallit with stars

[jhamner]

I found this item yesterday, and posted it in today's finds, but decided to post here also in hopes someone may recognize it. It is some sort of yolk with pulley wheels at the two bottom ends. It is brass, about 5 1/2" wide by 4" wide. It appears as though some sort of device was suspended from it-- perhaps over the pulleys and downward--maybe some sort of weighing device? The stars embossed on it are what intrigue me--any affiliation with Texas or Mississippi you think? Thanks for looking and hoping you experts can help me!
P.S.--Sorry about the picture size--if you reduce your screen to 50% on your computer, the whole image will show up.

[Bigcypresshunter]

Did you try posting in What Is It?

[diggummup]

I don't know but there has been one posted before. That.... or i'm dreaming.