Odd copper thing-any ideas?
 

Hi All,
I found this diving yesterday (OK, not Winni, I was in the Connecticut River)-heavy gauge copper (1/8" thick wall) with smaller piece soldered to it. It is stamped "NWS". Main part is about 10" in diameter.

The picture of this shows it upside down. Wide "base" is actually not the base; I assume this because the letters NWS can be read only when rotated 180 degrees vs. how it appears in the picture. The smaller part that reminds me of a cupola blocks from view a hole cut into the bigger section, and I assume liquid drained from the big part thru the hole into the smaller "neck". I would really like to know what this thing is.

Part of a still? Whatever it is it's old and really well made.

Rain Gauge?
 

http://www.google.com/search?um=1&hl...ge&btnG=Search

I wonder if it is a rain or flow gauge.. and the stamping "NWS" could be National Weather Service? When you "goggle" NWS the first result is The National Weather Service.

NWS maintains a prediction and reporting station on the CT River.

http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydro...box&gage=hfdc3

Attachment 5071

Nice research Steve....I think you may have nailed it! :coolsm:

Just Wondering
 

I think part of a Still is closer to the truth...OR.. part of the Boiler/Condenser from a small steam boat. The 1/8 inch wall thickness seems more conducive to a boiler part of some kind, than a simple device to collect rain water. :look: NB

Old copper thing
 

Thanks all for the help; I am inclined to go with rain gauge however it could be adapted for other uses or actually had another use; Rain gauge-I think that's a good call. And it was stamped NWS.

I will try and find the rest if there is any but as only a bit was sticking up out of the sand it may not be possible. I had to dig it out. Currents change the bottom all the time-I've dived this spot many times and never saw it before, nor did my buddies.

I appreciate the help. Wouldn't ask if I didn't really want to know.

Little more info from this site
 

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/iwx/program_...coop/8inch.php



Collector Funnel
"Two types of collector funnels are used with the SRG. Older units are made of copper while newer funnels are made of fiberglass. Rainfall is caught in the collector funnel and conducted into the measuring tube. The funnel is 8 inches in diameter with a knife edged rim. It is designed to readily slide over the overflow can. Some lock into place with 2 slots fitting over corresponding screws in the overflow can. The collector funnel also serves as a deterrent to evaporation.

The cross-sectional area of the collector is 10 times that of the measuring tube. Therefore, the depth of the water standing in the measuring tube is exactly 10 times the depth of the precipitation that has fallen.

Caution should be taken when handling the metal collector funnels. Dents in the lower edge of the funnel can make it difficulty or impossible to fit over the overflow can. If necessary, a small hammer can be used to remove dents so it will fit over the can. Also, fiberglass collector funnels are easily cracked or broken, if dropped."


Collector Funnel and Measuring Tube

Attachment 5074


Is it 8" diameter?

Copper thing
 

You bet-8" exactly.
Thanks again.

NWS....North Winnipesaukee Still

NWS:..Naval Weapons Systems..:D NB

Not What it Seems.

Attachment 5080

Not Wearly Sure