✅ SOLVED Need help identifying brass object

[patpall22]

Found this brass thing in a site that was active in the late 1800’s to about 1910. the top of it where it opens had a small layer of black tar like substance that I removed with my fingernail, you can still see some of it on the underside of the lid. Inside there is this wet rope-twine stuff and some more of the tar stuff stuck to the inside wall. there is a hole going threw it. Any info would be much appreciated

 

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[releventchair]

Oiler cup maybe.

 

[patpall22]

Wow thanks!

 

[Tony in SC]

That's it! Oiler used on early machines. The red engine in my avatar has two on the crankshaft. They were packed with felt to make the oil drop slow.