unknown, Something !

[drac2k]

I recently got a group lot and this was an unknown passenger. It measures 54" tall and my best guess is that it is a torch of some kind or a huge bong. Maybe for burning sage to cleanse an area?
Any guess would be helpful!

[kahnjar1]

Interesting piece indeed. Not a clue as to what it is but if you could find someone to translate the Mandarin/Cantonese it might reveal it's use.
Stu

[drac2k]

Well, that is a start anyway; at least now I know it is Chinese.Thanks.

[JeffS]

Double post

[JeffS]

Fire extinguisher 🧯 🔥 https://cms-live.thehorniman.net/object/nn17784

[drac2k]

Thanks, JeffS, that certainly is the item.I must be missing a part or 2, because I don't have any moving parts to pump water,etc..Possibly a nozzle?

[C4RL]

Interesting. Used with a bucket of water or something?

Suck water up, spray it out then repeat as necessary, like a bicycle pump?

.

[drac2k]

It must be a component of a larger item or I am missing some parts. I am assuming that the smaller tapered end is the nozzle. There aren't any moving parts to allow a pumping action nor any venturi ports and the larger strainer section isn't threaded to allow it to be coupled to a hose, etc..
Maybe a hose is slipped over the strainer end and then it is either worm-clamped or wire-fastened onto the apparatus, making this a fire nozzle?

[C4RL]

Here’s my imaginative guess!

The image with the red cloth is a seal that slides in the outer tube, the loose bit inside is a “check valve”, the end with all the holes is submerged in water (it has small protrusions so it doesn’t sit against something and block the holes), the inner tube is pulled “up” (think bicycle pump) making the check valve close drawing water in, then the inner tube is pushed down, the valve opens and water is then forced (sprayed) out of the top of the inner tube (with maybe another simple flap valve near the intake?...). Or something like that...

Repeat as fast as possible, there’s a fire!

.

[drac2k]

Pretty inventive theory and as good as any I've come up with, but my problem with it is that when the inner tube and the outer tube are screwed together, there aren't any moving parts to allow a pumping action and if the tubes are not coupled, then when you would force the inner tube into the outer tube, the water would come out the sides before it went through the nozzle.

[C4RL]

Pretty inventive theory and as good as any I've come up with, but my problem with it is that when the inner tube and the outer tube are screwed together, there aren't any moving parts to allow a pumping action and if the tubes are not coupled, then when you would force the inner tube into the outer tube, the water would come out the sides before it went through the nozzle.

Ah, I didn't realise it screwed together, that blows my theory out of the water!

(Unless that's just a feature for when not in use? But doubtful. I imagined the red fabric an area for "packing" to form a moving seal between inner & outer, but yes a long shot....).

Good luck in finding out how it was used & please let us know.

.

[werecow]

Here's (https://uauction4.uamulet.com/AuctionDetail.aspx?bid=383&qid=256995) something with slightly fuzzy pictures that looks quite similar. The description is in Thai but google translate tells me it reads:

Antique fire extinguisher made of brass, thick, heavy, long, old, hard to find.

EDIT: And another one (https://cms-live.thehorniman.net/object/nn17784/):

fire extinguisher

Bronze fire extinguisher of piston form. A brass plaque attached on the mid-body inscribed with the maker's detail: Made by "Yuan Long", a shop located at An Lan Grand Street in Guangdong province.

MUSEUM NUMBER
nn17784

Date
early to mid 20th century

EDIT 2: Oh I guess this one was already linked above. D'oh!

[CutlassCollector]

I think C4RL's explanation sounds right!
Perhaps the top section is seized into the first part of the outer tube.
The inner tube then extends past the short section. The rib about 8" below the top would be the 'stop' that gives the inner tube its full travel.