What is this?

[Slowdrawl]

My son sent me this pic, asking what it is or was?
Lotta savvy in this place....so whats your guess?
I would guess there's something missing at the base of the bulb?

 

[treefarmercharlie]

Maybe some sort of small fire extinguisher? The bottom looks spring loaded so maybe that spring lets loose above a certain temperature and then it breaks the glass? Total shot in the dark.

 

[Bobby Legit]

Treefarmer is right. See those in antique shops here and there. I've heard they would sometimes use some hazardous stuff in them, so keep it from breaking for more than just how cool it looks. Never seen a spring load like that one. Usually just baseball size glass throwers.

 

[Tvanmunhen]

My son sent me this pic, asking what it is or was?
Lotta savvy in this place....so whats your guess?
I would guess there's something missing at the base of the bulb?

View attachment 136129

Very cool find. I think treefarmer is correct.

 

[Slowdrawl]

Maybe some sort of small fire extinguisher? The bottom looks spring loaded so maybe that spring lets loose above a certain temperature and then it breaks the glass? Total shot in the dark.

I bet your right TFC, not sure where he got it!

Treefarmer is right. See those in antique shops here and there. I've heard they would sometimes use some hazardous stuff in them, so keep it from breaking for more than just how cool it looks. Never seen a spring load like that one. Usually just baseball size glass throwers.

Good info man I'll pass it along!

Thx Guys

 

[Fiddler's Green]

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Looks like @treefarmercharlie called it.
Cool find

 

[H.A.F.]

There's probably soft-metal wire or clamp of some sort holding the spring. Heat above a specified temp would melt the wire or clamp and the spring busts the glass. One of the first automatic fire extinguishers, like for a restaurant kitchen.