I was hoping someone could offer some insight on this piece. B&H and the patent dates are the only markings. Aug 25th 1865 or 1885, and Oct 5th 18??. I was thinking it could possibly be a trap or designed for fishing. When the top piece is turned counter-clock-wise it builds pressure "maybe inside coil". If I were to turn it all the way (over the little hump) I think it would lock in place and be ready for whatever action it is designed to do. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I've upload the photos to my photobucket accout since they are numerous and large in size. The forum is more than welcome to copy them from there and retain them in there database. Thanks, Joe

http://s440.photobucket.com/albums/qq130/jwallis23/unknown%20tool/

My dad just told me his theory that this item is railroad related. Maybe B&H railroad.

Not a tool, Not the railroad...

The Bradley & Hubbard Mfg co

For suspending your lamp from the ceiling...

http://www.google.com/patents?id=LpZmAAAAEBAJ&pg=PA1&dq=325,203&source=gbs_selected_pages&cad=1#v=onepage&q&f=false

Tidbit about B&H lamps http://www.thelampworks.com/lw_companies_b&h.htm
(Sorry, no pics of hanging lamps)

Thanks for the reply. I knew that trapping, fishing, and railroads were wishful thinking on my behalf. It is a very interesting piece, I suppose this is the later of the two patents since it has a different hanging mechanism.