1800s mystery item?

[Nzrelichunter]

Hi all, I found this today on a site I think only saw use from the 1850s through to the 1870s. I’m really not sure what it is, both pieces were found together, there is a hinge, star design around edge and openwork design on top. Any thoughts appreciated!

 

[markinmichigan]

Make this ID a little easier for us by giving a location and composition. Looks like brass/bronze at first glance based on the green patina in the 3rd photo. You’re likely holding parts of an old brass/bronze lantern or lamp burner.

The perforated piece with star cutouts appear to me like a chimney cap or draft vent from a kerosene or oil lamp burner. Those holes allowed airflow while keeping the flame stable and protected.

As far as age, I have no idea (late 1800's early 1900's?) and smarter minds will chime in as I am not fully caffeinated yet. Cool find.

Mark in Michigan

 

[MTJosh]

I agree with it being a cap. Could even be a smoking pipe cap. If rainy area, common for old timers to use a pipe cap to prevent too much rain putting out their pipe.

 

[rcornell]

I thought Lamp part right away also. Here is a picture from one on ebay to compare.

 

[Nzrelichunter]

Make this ID a little easier for us by giving a location and composition. Looks like brass/bronze at first glance based on the green patina in the 3rd photo. You’re likely holding parts of an old brass/bronze lantern or lamp burner.

The perforated piece with star cutouts appear to me like a chimney cap or draft vent from a kerosene or oil lamp burner. Those holes allowed airflow while keeping the flame stable and protected.

As far as age, I have no idea (late 1800's early 1900's?) and smarter minds will chime in as I am not fully caffeinated yet. Cool find.

Mark in Michigan

Thanks Mark, I found it at the site of an early settlers homestead site here in New Zealand that is shown on an 1850s survey map. There was a later house built about half a mile away in 1878 and I haven’t found anything on the site that can be dated to later than that. The photos don’t really show it but there is a lot of shiny gilt on the items. It may well be a lamp part as you have suggested, seems to be quite intricately designed though

 

[Nzrelichunter]

I agree with it being a cap. Could even be a smoking pipe cap. If rainy area, common for old timers to use a pipe cap to prevent too much rain putting out their pipe.

Thanks Josh, I like that idea!