Thanks for all the ideas, concept what type of pipe are u talking about?, Spats, that's interesting, these things are only a 1/4 inch in diameter though, Matt, it certainly resembles that, so your thinking the little coils on these are actually threads like on a bolt?
they are bot hotwater bottle plugs from the 1920's or so
the bottom will have an indent for leather or rubber washers to be attached (most were screwed on)
Thanks for replies, Matt thanks for nailing it! Fmerg nice, had no idea on the age, sanmateo, rope thread? Love it! Thanks for that! Happy Hunting Snaps