Find of a lifetime or strange bit of junk???

[Stevec]

So years ago I was in an area on vacation where I hoped/dreamed of finding early 1700's treasure and stumbled upon this. The amazing thing is it just caught my eye in the water and I didn't even use a detector to find it. Took it home cleaned it (was pretty black) and began to wonder if it actually was treasure but never could figure out exactly how to get it apart and determine what it is and ending up leaving it in my desk. The piece seems to contain four different metal types, the "top" piece is a darker silver type, the outside lighter, the "gold" part is inside and then there are a few iron (magnet sticks) pins that appear to run through it. No idea what it is or how to take it apart but would appreciate any thoughts thanks. Of course my dream was a small stack of gold coins that had been in a silver holder....

 

[LuckyThirteen08]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!! WHAT IS IT?!?!?!?!?!? lol

Ive looked at this for a solid five minutes and i still cant figure out what it is. If i had to take a completely random ass guess at it,Id say Pocket Watch!

 

[Erik in NJ]

My first impression was a melted pocket watch.

 

[Stevec]

possible, was in water though and no signs of melting to me in person. Pictures are hard to see true image, it is somewhat heavy which always let my mind run...

 

[PeteWmass]

mangled pipe fitting - lead over brass?

 

[winslow]

The pocket watch guess seems appropriate to me. Could still have some gold in it. Does a magnet stick to it?

 

[Stevec]

Really doubt pocket watch is it, could be a fitting. I should add this was a beach that really could have 1700 era treasure which is what got me excited, if it was random area I would not think much. I might just try to crack off more of the light silver part. The only magnetic part is small round pins on top, thx for thoughts guys.

 

[echodog]

Control part of a oil lamp looks kind of melted and smashed. Very well could of been from a boat the ones from houses were mostly made of tin or iron.

 

[Tarponhuntr]

Oh the agaony of the unkown possible treasure. I have had two similar to that in the last two weeks. Drive me nuts .
Still looks awesome though.

You may try taking it to a local jeweler and having them test it. At least one of my questions was answered by my jeweler. It turned out to be a melted piece of Sterling dinnerware.

 

[SilverPirate]

It looks like a late 1800's pocket watch.

 

[wrecker]

pocket watch was my first idea too, but then it could be a gauge from a machine, steam engine or boat (gauge for oil pressure etc.)

 

[arnofarrell]

At first glance I thought it was a brass casting of an ear. LOL I am not sure but it very interesting. If anybody can figure it out it will be the folks here on Tnet. Good luck and HH.

 

[Stevec]

Any ideas about how to break it apart? Initially there was more of the "silver" part over the "gold" part but I was able to break it off. Figured I would ask if there are tips or tricks rather than just brute force, thx all for thoughts.