Antique Copper/Glass Table Milk Pump

[susiecat]

I'm not sure what this item is.I've had it about 20 or more years.Copper with a milk bottle that sit inside,bottle has a cork with a hole for the pump end to go through.Look like a table pump.Anybody got an idea what this item is.I can't find a name just,"Pat"D nothing else,no date.

[cogar]

First of all, describing the glass bottle as being a “milk bottle” will only confuse the issue.

Anyway, I believe your item was made for use in a chemical or medical laboratory.

 I’m guessing now, but, me thinks an ingredient(s) are placed in the bottle and then “corked”.

The “corked” bottle would then be placed in the copper base and then either hot water or crushed ice was added to control the temperature of the bottle and its contents.

Then the pump “stem” was put thru the hole in the cork and the lid was “locked” onto the top of the base.

 Now the big question is, which you, … susiecat, …. will have to answer, …. is the pump an “air pressure” pump ……. or a “vacuum” pump?   

That is important to know as "search" criteria.

[mart]

I agree with Cogar !!  Does not look like a milk pump !!

[susiecat]

What's an air pressure or vacuum pump.All I know is it pumps with your hand pushing it down.I'm not an expert so I know very little about this item

[Pelady]

 Simplified

“  Air pressure  “. Like a bike pump puts air or fluid pressure into an object.
“ vacuum pump “. Removes the air or fluid  so it causes suction

[mart]

Probably a pressure pump !!  Forcing air in,, pushes liquid out !!

[susiecat]

I guess it's a pressure.I've never came across anything like this item.Thanks

[SophieMarie]

In the second photo, on the right hand side of the silver metal cylinder there appears to be a hook or notch.  Can you explain that to me?  Also, if it is a hinge...does that piece come up?  I'm wondering if it is a calorimeter.

A calorimeter is an object used for calorimetry, or the process of measuring the heat of chemical reactions or physical changes as well as heat capacity.

[cogar]

I guess it's a pressure.I've never came across anything like this item.Thanks

susiecat,

Place the long tube into a glass of water, then work the pump handle 2 or 3 times.

if nothing happens in or to the water, then the pump "gaskets" need replaced.

if you see air bubbles in the water then it is a "pressure" pump.

if water is sucked out of the glass it is a vacuum pump.

or, the simple test is, hold you finger tip over the end of the "tube" while working the pump handle
 

[KC]

Hey Susiecat, any smell to the bottle when it is open?

Also, I think it is to pressurize.  Don't see any tubing to pump it out?!