Brass ball? What its it?

Monty

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Jan 26, 2005
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I found this at the demolition site I have been working. It was at about 4" and lit up the dime icon on my GTI 2500. At first I thought it was a cast bullet as it was covered with tarnish and it was heavy for its size. The hole was blocked with dirt and couldn't been seen in the field. I found out it was brass when I soaked it in "Kaboom" for a couple of days and brushed the crud off with a bristle brush. That stuff will really do a job on copper, brass or bronze by the way and won't etch the surface. Back to the what is it. The hole is not threaded and goes nearly all the way through. The little brass sphere is not hollow however. The top has a faint pattern that looks mostly at random instead of any discernable design. It has a slight raised rib around the middle, the bottom half being smoothe. I've never seen anything like it and have no idea what it is or what it may have been used for. The dime is to give you a size reference. Monty
 

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Monty

Monty

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Jan 26, 2005
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Sand Springs, OK
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I think you guys are teasing about that gearshift thingy. I've looked for 3 days and still haven't found the rest of that darn car! ;D Monty
 

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Wetgreenie

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Oct 14, 2005
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Central Minnesota
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I'll show you a decorative nut......


It looks to me like a ball end from a chain pull for a Lamp or ceiling fan.
 

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Michelle

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May 7, 2006
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RealdeTayopa said:
Gear shift knob for a Morris minor or baby MG. heheh

Otherwise I must go wth SWR

Tropical Tramp
Morris minor or baby MG
 

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Boobydoo

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Apr 24, 2006
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Michigan
It's a casting as you can see the mold parting line in the top view photo and since the decorative design is only on the "bottom" half, to me that means it was meant to only be seen from below. Therefore, my guess would be a light screw fixture for a ceiling lamp cover.
Also, because of the rough casting parting line, it was not meant to be grasped and pulled for a chain device... my opinion of course, all due respects.
The threaded part missing would be a nylon insert because the brass knob and steel threaded bit from the light fixture could interact and galvanic corrosion could take place seizing the ball to the threads potentially.

Nice heavy find Monty!

Smiles!
BDoo
 

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Wetgreenie

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Oct 14, 2005
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Central Minnesota
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SWR said:
Wetgreenie said:
I'll show you a decorative nut......


It looks to me like a ball end from a chain pull for a Lamp or ceiling fan.

Typically, ball ends for lamps and ceiling fans have a hole going all the way through it. That way, the chain can pass through it, retaining device installed, and then pulled back into the end piece.

HH, Jim


The one in the box pictured above doesn't seem to have a hole all the way through.
Then I guess the chain could be crimped in a manor that it holds the ball on.
That is till some kids pulls on it way to hard....
 

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Michelle

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May 7, 2006
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Hey look THERE'S DOC...... :D ???
 

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