Don't know how to title it...

[bunker314]

Found this with a bunch of other brass and copper items. The glass in the middle is beveled. The metal part screws on the something, not too many threads inside. Just curious if anyone had any ideas. No heat related marks that I can see. It is only about an inch and 3/4 wide. No writing anywhere on it.
Thanks for looking,

 

[dave5710]

Looks kinda what I would imagine the end of a spyglass looks like.

 

[srf2112]

That looks suspiciously like the front lens to an old surveyors transit to me. If not then possibly as Dave said, a spyglass lens or maybe binoculars. My two bits.
HH
Scott

 

[bunker314]

Thanks guys for your input both are good thoughts. I will keep digging on my end as well.

 

[Doc.]

off a flashlight ?

 

[oldranger]

an old watch case????

Ron

 

[bunker314]

Flashlight, hmm, hadn't thought of that. It is fairly thin metal. I was surprised how thick the glass is. A another direction to research.
Thanks.

 

[bunker314]

Another thought, I've only been doing this for a couple of months, how would you clean it?

 

[GoGoGopher]

Naw...It is hex or octagonal....ment to be tightened with a wrench...I say a glass view port for some kind of device holding liquid refridgerent or somesuch to see the fluid level and condition...

HH,

 

[srf2112]

Hey GGG I think the octagonal shape is for aesthetics and hand tightening since bunker said the metal is thin. The threads look too shallow and fine to be designed to withstand wrench tightening also. Just my uneducated observations....next.
HH
Scott

 

[bunker314]

Hi Guys,
Sorry I have not replied in a few days, I have been down in Central America since Monday. I don't think the metal could withstand a wrench tightening. doesn't seem to be any seal or gasket to hold in any liquids and the glass fits loosely.
Thanks for all your suggestions, this does intrigue me.

 

[bill67]

Look up antique flashlights and I think you will decide. Some even had rounded lenses like a magnifying glass ......

 

[bunker314]

Thanks Bill67 I will go there right now and check it out. Appreciate the effort!

 

[bunker314]

Ole Doc and Bill67 called this one...Flashlight top!! Good job guys.
Thanks and HH,

 

[Canewrap]

n/t

 

[bunker314]

Hi Canewrap,
That did cross my mind, but I ended up seeing some almost identical in the flashlight dept. Nothing is certain, could very well be part of a compass. Thanks for your interest and input.

 

[michael nehmer]

looking at my flashlight collectors book it sure looks like a lens and holder cap for an old flash light

 

[bunker314]

Thanks Michael,
HH