Author Topic: Need Help Identifying This Historical Item (pics)  (Read 3998 times)

Gary DellAbate

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Need Help Identifying This Historical Item (pics)
« on: July 13, 2013, 06:39:58 pm »
So I came across this historical item today at an antique shop in a small town near the southern Appalachian Mountains. I could not for the life of me figure out what it could be, and nobody in the shop was able to tell me either. I was very intrigued so I took some pictures hoping that someone with more knowledge of history or antique items might have a better idea. My initial thought was that it may have something to do with storing food in the coal mines, but I now have my doubts about that.

If anyone can help me identify these items that would be great :)




Thanks!
« Last Edit: July 13, 2013, 07:05:41 pm by Gary DellAbate »

mart

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Re: Need Help Identifying This Historical Item (pics)
« Reply #1 on: July 13, 2013, 08:20:14 pm »
What is it made of ?? Looks like copper !! Is there anything inside the compartment with a lid in the first pic ??  Did the shop owner say where he got it ?? Offhand it looks like something from a food cart !! Bottom looks like for pastries/breads !! What does the main part look like inside ??  How big is it,,overall size ??  Is there a drain anywhere or heat source ??  If it were laying down what is underneath ??  I can think of no reason they would have stored food in a mine !! Most miners carried their own food !!
« Last Edit: July 13, 2013, 08:29:32 pm by mart »

KC

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Re: Need Help Identifying This Historical Item (pics)
« Reply #2 on: July 13, 2013, 09:47:04 pm »
What did the inside of the top "basin" look like?

Was the "round bucket" on the side used used as a scoop?

What is the heat source?  Don't see any electrical.  Was there a place for coal?  Gas?

Need a few more questions answered before I give what I think it is for....
I'm from the South - but please don't mistake my Southern Manners/Accent/Charm as a weakness!

greenacres

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Re: Need Help Identifying This Historical Item (pics)
« Reply #3 on: July 13, 2013, 10:13:45 pm »
Not from the "Howard Stern Show"?
" Energy and Persistence conquer all things."

bigwull

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Re: Need Help Identifying This Historical Item (pics)
« Reply #4 on: July 13, 2013, 10:17:22 pm »
lets take it step by step....first of all i can see a paraffin lamp.   i.e. little tank with a wick ..then there,s the compartment with a vent,that looks like it would hold the heat source,most likely fossil fuel,the little container above and to the side looks like a water tank, which is attached to a bigger tank on the top....the containers below with the shelves are for holding..food, or whatever.....
I make no excuses,and no apologies....but i like a good Malt,

Rauville

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Re: Need Help Identifying This Historical Item (pics)
« Reply #5 on: July 14, 2013, 08:28:44 am »
Maybe something used by a "hot dog" street vendor, for dogs, buns, and condiments?

mart

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Re: Need Help Identifying This Historical Item (pics)
« Reply #6 on: July 14, 2013, 08:34:29 am »
That would be my first guess Rauville !! I am wondering about the handle too !!  What good is a handle with no wheels if its as big as it looks !! Would sure like to see under it !!

greenacres

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Re: Need Help Identifying This Historical Item (pics)
« Reply #7 on: July 14, 2013, 08:46:52 am »
mart they could have lift it to a dolly.
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Rauville

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« Last Edit: July 14, 2013, 09:02:26 am by Rauville »

mart

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Re: Need Help Identifying This Historical Item (pics)
« Reply #9 on: July 14, 2013, 09:27:24 am »
No kidding !!! Good work Rauville !! Would not have thought about that !!

bigwull

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Re: Need Help Identifying This Historical Item (pics)
« Reply #10 on: July 14, 2013, 10:08:29 am »
That would be my first guess Rauville !! I am wondering about the handle too !!  What good is a handle with no wheels if its as big as it looks !! Would sure like to see under it !!
there you go again always wanting to see bottoms ;D
I make no excuses,and no apologies....but i like a good Malt,

greenacres

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Re: Need Help Identifying This Historical Item (pics)
« Reply #11 on: July 14, 2013, 12:45:51 pm »
Rauville gets the gold star! ;D
" Energy and Persistence conquer all things."

bigwull

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Re: Need Help Identifying This Historical Item (pics)
« Reply #12 on: July 14, 2013, 01:34:11 pm »
darn...him wi the big ass and the even bigger book......mind you...i was near.....well,...a little near...but..i just don,t have a big enough ass for that darn book.. ;D...well done...Rauville....
I make no excuses,and no apologies....but i like a good Malt,

Gary DellAbate

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Re: Need Help Identifying This Historical Item (pics)
« Reply #13 on: July 14, 2013, 01:48:26 pm »
I think we're getting close...
http://www.etsy.com/listing/84123172/vintage-brass-glass-street-vendor-cart

I'll be darned...used by a noodle salesman!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Brass-Noodle-Vendor-Display-Thailand-/181090139271?pt=Asian_Antiques&hash=item2a29d03c87

Wow! Thank you so much, Rauville. What do I owe you? ;D

I'm amazed that you were able to figure it out. Great job!!

bigwull

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Re: Need Help Identifying This Historical Item (pics)
« Reply #14 on: July 14, 2013, 01:50:57 pm »
I think we're getting close...
http://www.etsy.com/listing/84123172/vintage-brass-glass-street-vendor-cart

I'll be darned...used by a noodle salesman!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Brass-Noodle-Vendor-Display-Thailand-/181090139271?pt=Asian_Antiques&hash=item2a29d03c87

Wow! Thank you so much, Rauville. What do I owe you? ;D

I'm amazed that you were able to figure it out. Great job!!
he,s partial to a good Malt...i believe..... ;D
I make no excuses,and no apologies....but i like a good Malt,