What is this thing?

[BryanD]

This thing is heavy.  Iron and wood.  When I first saw it I though it was going to be a wagon wheel hub.
This is my first post, I hope the pic's come through.
Note that looking down into it there is no residue.

Thanks,

Bryan

[fancypants]

Sorta appears to be a wheelwrights' jig/tool ... perhps you could post a pic of the bottom of your item , BryanD ?

[mart]

Does the metal part in the center come out !! It looks to me like it is a wagon hub and the metal part is just stuck down in it !!

[JoshandLila]

definitely a wagon wheel hub, matches my lamp.. no clue about they attachment though

[sapphire]

Looks to me like it was jury rigged with a U clamp, hook and 'handle' on a metal insert. The lip shape looks to be for pouring. Could this have been something 'invented' to hold something of very high heat and pour into a mould? .......all based on it being metal and if it's a complete receptacle of course.

My first thought was molten metal or glass.

[mart]

I would like to see it out of the hub !!

[fancypants]

I'd like to see that thingie too , mart !

Perhaps it may also have been used by a cooper/millwright/wheelwright for holding hot mild steel or iron rivets , as a transfer (from a furnace)/insulation goldbergesque item .

I can only think of a few metals/alloys that would not burn-up the wooden wagonwheel hub , when molten .... lead , pewter , tin , or (most possibly , unless the wheel-hub is totally unrelated to it's purpose) babbiting alloys .
The type of crucible that it appears to be (to my eyes , mostly hidden by the surrounding wheel-hub) would be one where a 'quick pour' would be required (long , tube-shaped) , which is why I think babbits . Could have just as well been used for pouring shot/bullets/sinkers , I suppose .

[cogar]

Well, whatever that item is that is jammed down into that spoked-wheel hub ….. that steel rod “linkage” …. and chain “grab hook” ….. needs to be explained.

[mart]

I also think it was used for pouring a hot something into a mold then set in the hub to let it cool !!  What ??  cant tell like it is !! Need to see it out of the hub !!  I can`t tell either how the hook works !!

[BryanD]

Sorta appears to be a wheelwrights' jig/tool ... perhps you could post a pic of the bottom of your item , BryanD ?

I am sorry I took so long to get back to your quick reply. 

I have come to learn, and believe, that it is indeed a hub and linkage with the hook  for simple utility.

Thank you.

Bryan