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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: Mrdave25 on December 23, 2012, 10:19:58 AM

Title: Brass tube
Post by: Mrdave25 on December 23, 2012, 10:19:58 AM
I acquired this sometime ago and for the life of me can find no information on it. Seems to be brass with GHW MFG CO mark on the bottom. Any light shed on this would be greatly appreciated! Thank you
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: Rauville on December 23, 2012, 10:56:28 AM
What size is it? I would guess that it's maybe designed for holding drilled core samples??
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: Mrdave25 on December 23, 2012, 11:01:58 AM
Roughly 10" height x 14" circumference.
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: ironlord1963 on December 23, 2012, 11:11:49 AM
Candle making?  just a thought
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: Mrdave25 on December 23, 2012, 12:06:00 PM
Has no wax residue, but has a very distinct chemical-metallic smell to it. I had found one person online that had a brass tube map and document holder holder, circa 1880s from the same manufacture.  Still, no info on the company that I can find.
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: mart on December 23, 2012, 05:57:55 PM
Can we see the mark on it ??
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 23, 2012, 06:12:24 PM
What makes you think this "Copper cylindrical container" is made of brass.....btw..a tube is open at both ends...this looks like its got a bottom?? :D
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: Buddie11 on December 23, 2012, 06:20:38 PM
I'm sure I've seen something like that before,gonna drive me nuts,hopefully it'll come to me.
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: rustyattic on December 23, 2012, 06:23:41 PM
It reminds me of a barber shop comb holder/cleaner
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: Buddie11 on December 23, 2012, 06:55:17 PM
I thought it could be some type of strainer,but rustyattic theory seems pretty good to me
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 23, 2012, 07:19:08 PM
If it sits in that holder,and the bottom is open it could be for holding.wool?...wool you ask...yes...as there is a knitwear company with these initials...and maybe its hung up on a rack.....or ..as you may have realized ..i don,t have a clue.....but i don,t see it being in a barbers shop..the verdi-gris would put the punters off
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: Mrdave25 on December 23, 2012, 07:21:38 PM
Bigwull, I agree with everything you say. Rustyattic, I can see that it might be something like by the corrosion it has. The mark is quite dull and hard to see in the pic.
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: Mrdave25 on December 23, 2012, 07:30:38 PM
I guess I could clarify and show that that piece goes inside the container and is completely sealed off when the cap goes on.
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: mart on December 23, 2012, 08:24:25 PM
That would indicate to me that what it held would be in a roll form !! Lift the metal rack out, unroll what is needed. and replace !!  Stick a roll of paper towels in it and you can see what I mean !!  At least thats how I would figure it  !! Odd thing is I can find no record of a Mfg. Co  with those initials and it is not in the manufacturing data base !! 
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 23, 2012, 08:50:08 PM
I,would say you hit the nail on the head with one of your own posts...this is a Civil War map holder...worth a fair bit i would say...

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-civil-war-era-brass-map-case-90986550
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: Mrdave25 on December 23, 2012, 09:10:44 PM
I was thinking that also Bigwull, being it had the same mark on that persons item. Thank you all very very much!  You all have been very helpful. I am going to do some more research and hopefully take it somewhere to get an answer. I will update for sure when I find out.
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 24, 2012, 02:22:52 AM
I,m a little bit confused here...What more do you need..."you know that it is a Civil War era brass/copper map case...It carries the same markings,as the one I found on Worthpoint...yet... You are saying you will hopefully take it somewhere and get an answer....."an answer to what???...its a map case...not a candlemaking mould,..or a comb dispenser,/cleaner.....
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: cogar on December 24, 2012, 06:47:58 AM
Given the metal insert for holding the object(s) it is not logical that it is a map holder.

In time of War who would want to fool around rolling a map up, putting it in the holder, putting the holder in the tube and putting the cap on the tube.

Or the reverse of ..... to get the map out.

Not to mention the fact that carrying a "banging clanging" bulky object such as that is ....... would make for an inconvienence.

Especially when a leather pouch or tube would have worked just fine, more practical and more easily produced.

HA, ... rideing horses is somewhat different than rideing Jeeps or Humvees. ;D ;D

But whatta I know?
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: Mrdave25 on December 24, 2012, 07:50:58 AM
Bigwull, Cheer up...stop being so pessimistic.   I want to know for sure, 100%. 
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: Rauville on December 24, 2012, 10:21:36 AM
I agree with Cogar on this one: Whatever this turns out to be, I would bet it's not a map case. That is one glaring problem with the internet. Once someones "opinion / guess" on an item is found on a search program, we tend to accept it as a historical fact.

Back to the question: I wonder if the "GHW Mfg." mark was ever used by General Hardware Mfg.? They made a lot of tools like brass plumb bobs, etc.

There needs to be some more research done on this item, or an "expert" found. (Speaking of experts; I was saddened to hear of the passing of Wendell Garrett last month. I'll miss him on the Antique Roadshow. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendell_Garrett)

Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 24, 2012, 10:53:15 AM
Bigwull, Cheer up...stop being so pessimistic.   I want to know for sure, 100%. 
I suffer from many things...but pessimism...is,nt one of them....
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: KC on December 24, 2012, 12:39:01 PM
Cogar, I would say it could still be a map holder...Does it appear that the holder for the cylinder could be mounted to a wall or desk - as if on a ship!

However, I agree it still needs more research.  Most companies didn't specialize in one item if they were a refinery way back when....so, the hunt is still on.

Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: mart on December 24, 2012, 08:17:07 PM
With a circumference of 14 in. ,,,that would be one whopping long and skinny map !!
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: KC on December 25, 2012, 01:40:14 AM
There was a GHW Bates Manufacturing Company who made  Gem Roller Organs...and there was a GHW company that manufactured pharmaceuticals.
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 25, 2012, 02:35:11 AM
and there,s the GHW Knitwear Company...then there,s    "GHW Bush & Co".... ;D
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: cogar on December 25, 2012, 04:32:00 AM
KC, the "holder" I spoke of is an insert that goes inside of the brass tube.

See Post #12 picture.

I think the tube would have sat on a shelf and might have contained a bottle of "light sensitive" liguid. just a guess of course.
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 25, 2012, 04:36:43 AM
Found this site of Civil War.memorabilia...i f you scroll down you,ll see Black Japanned metal cylinder map case...and there is also 2 x Fleam Bleeders...Non Vet type...

http://www.historicalshop.com/sitecontents/civilwar/relics.htm
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 25, 2012, 04:43:07 AM
just in case you can,t find the black jap...case


Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: cogar on December 25, 2012, 05:27:27 AM
Those are made different than Mrdave’s.

The Black Japanned ones make sense because it would not reflect Sunlight and they are "multi-part" soldered together on the side and w/bottom soldered on … and a rolled “lip” at the lid.

 Mrdave’s looks like it was “spin” formed which might date it later than the Civil War. One would have to check to see when they first started to employ that “spin forming” process.

I didn’t have a problem with a “brass” map holder …. but I did with a “brass” map holder with a steel insert.
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 25, 2012, 05:46:44 AM
am I missing something here...I never said this was the same as the map case in question..i,m using this as an example...for those that think that mrdave,s is,nt a map case...and as for the "brass case"...which looks awfully like copper to me...this one in my opinion was,nt spun as you put it...and furthermore..the description of the "brass one is civil war era...and as for not reflecting sunlight....how do we know that mrdave,s was always "brass"..it too may have been black in its day...
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: KC on December 25, 2012, 12:33:08 PM
My big brother is visiting... (he is a big civil war collector) and he said first thing that it was a map holder!
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 25, 2012, 02:50:20 PM
Hallelujah!!......
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: mart on December 25, 2012, 08:49:43 PM
My big brother is visiting... (he is a big civil war collector) and he said first thing that it was a map holder!

 What purpose was the inside rack ??
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: KC on December 25, 2012, 10:52:12 PM
He said it was to secure the map in position while one places it into the container!  Said he has seen a few like this over time!
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: cogar on December 26, 2012, 04:58:16 AM
Quote
am I missing something here...I never said this was the same as the map case in question..i,m using this as an example...for those that think that mrdave,s is,nt a map case...and as for the "brass case"...which looks awfully like copper to me...this one in my opinion was,nt spun as you put it.....

I think you enjoy missing things.

And I never said ….. that you said …. that it was the map case in question.

My very 1st sentence in Post #28 specifically stated otherwise.

Only a blind person would think that the two different pictures were of the same object that is in two different locations at the same time.

And Mrdave’s pictures implies that both the tube and its cap are one (1) piece of metal each.

Also quite thin metal, too. Which implies they were not cast (molded).

And ps, the three (3) piece metal insert appears to me to have been “spot-welded” together.

So please enlighten me as to your expert opinion as to how those items were manufactured circa 1860.

I assess the item that is posted based on the “picture” of the item. If I am unfamiliar with the item then I am only capable of offering “logical” guesses as to what it might be or not be.

Every day is a “good day” …… if I learn something new. And I am not prejudice as to who I learn it from.
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 26, 2012, 10:49:09 AM
On closer inspection of the insert...I see no evidence of a spot weld..if you look very closely at the bottom where the upright strap  meets the base...to me that looks like a rivet...furthermore ...the corrosion on the base of the insert indicates that it too is made copper...as to the tube itself...i,m still of the opinion that this has been fabricated..then soldered...
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: cogar on December 26, 2012, 11:23:20 AM
OK, I now see what appears to be a rivet where the "back-strap" is affixed at the top of the "insert".
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: Mrdave25 on December 26, 2012, 07:59:55 PM
They are definitely rivets. I am over joyed on how much attention this piece has received. I just can't wait till I find exactly what it is. Still on the hunt...
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: Mrdave25 on December 26, 2012, 08:06:14 PM
Kc, thank you for your brothers knowledge on this. It has definitely pushed me in the right direction.
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: mart on December 26, 2012, 08:21:28 PM
I am not convinced that is what it is !! Why would a map need securing inside a tube ??  Its not going to move !!  Civil War maps I have seen were not that big !!  Field conditions then and even WW I were not the best, so simplicity would have been much more practical !!  Why not just roll it up and drop it in a case !! Why would it need to be secured in a metal rack then placed in a case that would be larger than necessary ??  Remember all this stuff had to be carried with them !!  Just makes no sense to me !!
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: Mrdave25 on December 26, 2012, 08:48:47 PM
Well son of a bitch...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/111763766/vintage-metal-canister-copper-plated

They were used in a laboratory for unspecified testing.
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: Mrdave25 on December 26, 2012, 09:19:09 PM
Finally an explanation of what it was used for...

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/copper-canister-for-sterilizing-petri-dishes-use
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: cogar on December 27, 2012, 04:18:17 AM
AH SO, ...... Mart, ...... we have been vindicated.  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: Mrdave25 on December 27, 2012, 09:24:01 AM
Now, to find out the value!
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: mart on December 27, 2012, 10:41:33 AM
AH SO, ...... Mart, ...... we have been vindicated.  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Indeed Cogar !!  At least that makes sense !!
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 27, 2012, 02:13:36 PM
Ah So.... Mart...we have been vinticated....????? ...how do you work that out... ;D...Mart thought it might  be for holding Bog Roll...and you thought it had been spot welded......and as for KC,s brothers knowledge....well.. ..I,m still inclined to go with his superior knowledge....instea d of becoming one of the I told you so Brigade....    ;D ;D
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: KC on December 27, 2012, 02:24:25 PM
My brother is raring to go back home and search out his friends to try and justify!  LOLOL
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: JAT on December 27, 2012, 02:41:15 PM
I haven't been in on this discussion - merely wish to say that it sure has been interesting!
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 27, 2012, 02:41:45 PM
My brother is raring to go back home and search out his friends to try and justify!  LOLOL

As long as he does,nt come back and tell me its a Bog Roll holder. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: KC on December 27, 2012, 02:47:19 PM
S.S.Petri Dish Box/S.S.Pippet Box
(http://www.labtechindia.net/product/Pathology%20&%20Laboratory%20Equipments/pg23.jpg)

Hmmm, Wullie..me thinks my bro may be off base?  However, there can be more than one item that resembles another one......
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: KC on December 27, 2012, 03:10:58 PM
LOL  Okay my brother started researching and found a reference to a small "brass document holder" for a ship commander...
"The small brass document holder made by GM2c Walter R. Holdridge aboard the Cruiser USS Frederick, which allows him to wear a Service Chevron contains the name of “Commander S.C. Rowan” on the bottom corner. It is simply stamped on the card, “S.C. Rowan, Commander, US Navy” but the name of Rowan holds a very rich and historical place in the pages of the history of the United States Military. At the time this small document was made on October 23, 1918, Cmdr. S.C. Rowan or Stephen Clegg Rowan was then the Executive Officer on the Armored Cruiser USS Frederick."

and also search chart tubes....or map case....
http://www.mapsofantiquity.com/store/Map_Cases/Long_Steel_Map_Case/inventory.pl?id=OTH067 (http://www.mapsofantiquity.com/store/Map_Cases/Long_Steel_Map_Case/inventory.pl?id=OTH067)

Second guessing...if indeed it was to hold a scope securely!  LOL
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 27, 2012, 03:18:40 PM
Yes methinks he is...but at least its not a Bog Roll holder....
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: mart on December 27, 2012, 07:48:55 PM
Thats not what I said it was for Bigwull  LOL ,, I said whatever it was would have to fit like that !! I had no clue what it was for,, but was pretty sure what it wasn`t used for !! Maps !!
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 27, 2012, 08:53:04 PM
LOL!....this is what you said..."That would indicate to me that what it held would be in a roll form !! Lift the metal rack out, unroll what is needed. and replace !!  Stick a roll of paper towels in it and you can see what I mean" ......could be Bog roll....could be a map.....could even be for sterilising instruments...but whatever its eventual use is...its had us guessing...and searching....given us a laugh....and for me that,s what makes this place tick.... ;D
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: cogar on December 28, 2012, 06:05:04 AM
Bigwull, ...... you need to change your "signature" line.

It is not befitting of your latest postings. ;D

-------------

HA, the second that I read the word "petri" in the 1st cited link I'se said ta myself, ...... "damn, I shudda thought of that".

Many years ago I autoclaved quite a few of them in my bacteriology class. Of course we didn't use a brass container to do it in. But I can visualize why a large labratory would require such a device.
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 28, 2012, 07:15:31 AM
"Brass"....Ha,.....its   "Copper."...
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: KC on December 28, 2012, 11:04:18 AM
Finger and brain malfunctions here.....
Title: Re: Brass tube
Post by: bigwull on December 28, 2012, 02:57:08 PM
Finger and brain malfunctions here.....
Oh!....I,m sorry to hear that...I hope its not too serious....when you get on in years you have to take more care of yourself....hope you get well soon....