Three years, no answers

[Mr Ripley]

Hi everyone,

One of the things that I am coming to appreciate about this site is the enthusiasm that the members display trying to help each other out, especially in the IDing of some unknown artifact. I figured I would throw this item up here and see if anyone may offer up some info.

I dug this about three years ago, right after I got my Ace250. It was dug in the yard of an old farm house. It seems to be made of brass and it stands about 2" tall. The wide open end has female threads, and a perfectly machined keyhole shape creates an opening from the wide end to the "caged" end.

I hope that the pictures are helpful. Any information would be appreciated, after three years and many questions I have come up empty.

Thanks,

Mr R

 

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[digging wv]

Looks like a hot/cold water valve used to regulate water temp

 

[Mr Ripley]

Are the threads course or fine? What size pipe would the device fit on? (1/2", 3/4" etc)

1 1/4" ID. I would have to say fine thread.

Mr R

 

[lostcauses]

Looks like an old ball float head for a tank.

 

[EdleBrock]

Not saying this is it, but could it be related to a drinking fountain ?

 

[Mr Ripley]

All very interesting so far...thanks all.

I am holding the item in my hand and realized that with all the angles photographed I missed showing one feature. In picture #2 you will notice that the sun is shining in through a rectangular open slot that I show in none of the pics. Sorry bout that.

I always envisioned it threaded to an upright pole with a wire through that slot. The wire would have a ball on the end that goes in the round part of the keyhole, then locks into the narrow part, thus holding the wire taut.

Only problem is, the narrow part of the keyhole is in the wrong direction...

Mr R

 

[Mr Ripley]

Not saying this is it, but could it be related to a drinking fountain ?

Its is possible, but i feel that going from 1 1/4" pipe to that tiny keyhole would cause an immense amount of water pressure. I may have to try SWR's suggested experiment (not with my face in the nozzle though).

Mr R

 

[goldguru]

dust control water nozzle my guess

older version of this

http://www.abigovernment.com/_asset..._images/water_trailer_features/ww_nozzles.jpg

 

[Mr Ripley]

dust control water nozzle my guess

older version of this

http://www.abigovernment.com/_asset..._images/water_trailer_features/ww_nozzles.jpg

Ahh. Or maybe a nozzle off of a piece of crop spraying farm machinery.

The farm that the house is on has not been actively farmed since maybe the 50s. There is a barn and some outbuildings, so I am sure they did farm it at one point or another.

Maybe I have to go find an old school farmer? Hmmm.

Thanks Goldguru

Mr R

 

[Zephyr]

Might be part of a directional fire sprinkler?

 

[Monty]

Looks like the end cap for the toprail to a chain link fence to me. Monty

 

[BioProfessor]

Is the "Keyhole" the only exit point so that if a liquid flowed through it, it would flow through the keyhole?

Is the "Keyhole" centered in the "spout" part?

Hard to get an image in my head of how they align.

And if you ARE holding this thing in your hand, you need some lotion.

Daryl

 

[savant365]

I am just guessing here but it reminds me of an irrigation sprayer head for crops. It would create a lot of pressure and the way it is designed would make the water fan out as it sprayed. It looks too big to be off of a tractor mounted sprayer. Can't find a pic to back it up though, good luck getting it IDed.

HH Charlie

 

[traderoftreasures]

i would guess it is a hog watering device that once had a trigger valve that opened it up for a fresh piggy drink. IMO

 

[La Beep]

End cap for outside stairs handrail. (At an angle)

 

[hunterken]

A whistle for large factory to signal lunch, or end of work day. hook it up to air compressor and see if it will whistle!

 

[traderoftreasures]

i would guess it is a hog watering device that once had a trigger valve that opened it up for a fresh piggy drink. IMO

or a water sprinkler system

 

[stefen]

End cap for outside stairs handrail. (At an angle)

Best bet right here...1st thing that came to mind even before I came across this response.

 

[Mr Ripley]

End cap for outside stairs handrail. (At an angle)

Best bet right here...1st thing that came to mind even before I came across this response.

We had considered that possibility early, but could come up with no logical explanation for the keyhole. Brass would also be overkill for a single step entering a very simple house, if you saw the house I am sure you would agree.

Thanks everyone for more input,

Mr R

 

[bradyboy]

Clearly a water Diffuser (or other liquids)
Brady