it looks like the maxi brake chamber from a semi truck. when a truck gets shut down they let out the air from the brake system and a huge spring applies brake pressure directly to each brake drum. they use a diaprham and air pressure to release it.
If you could help us with the background on the site, we'd not only find it entertaining, but we might be able to better help. If you can't chat about it, I understand.
Windlass...!! ?? Interesting idea.. but were they made out of brass..?
I have noticed that the other end is broken, that could have happen when the ships broke down and the boiler fell on its side. Like I said this item lie near the boiler.
Well maybe I will not know what this thing is, until we will salvage it and clean it.