You don't think it could be a "cone top" style closure from a large tin or can, perhaps even one with sides made of tinned cardboard? It is hard to tell by looking at the photos, but what makes you think that it would point inward if affixed to the end of a can?

Here is an example from a metal can, but given the shape and decay around the edges:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130728468046

I wonder if you may not have an exterior friction lid with a cork-style plug closure in a pouring cone, all part of a tinned or waxed cardboard can, meant to hold bulk powder, like scouring powder?

Cheers,
Tim



On Sep 10, 2013, at 4:12 PM, Carol Serr wrote:

> Cool looking piece...but not a hubcap.  Part of a still? (not that I have any idea what they look like tho).  The opening at the top of the "cone" means something came out of (or went in) there - wouldn't it?
> Someone on HISTARCH Must know what this is.   ???
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Rick Bullers <[log in to unmask]>
> To: HISTARCH <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Fri, Aug 30, 2013 12:58 am
> Subject: Re: Need help with unidentified artifact
> 
> 
> Unlikely to be a hubcap. If my eyes don't deceive me there appears to be
> some sort of clip on the top right edge that looks similar to the sort of
> clips you see on the covers of pedestal fans (not that I'm advocating that
> is what it is!).
> 
> 
> On 30 August 2013 03:13, Kenline, Brooke <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
>> Hello everyone-
>> 
>> I could use some help with identifying this historic iron-alloy artifact:
>> http://www.flickr.com/photos/101041879@N08/9623689752/in/photostream/
>> The context is North Carolina anywhere from the late 19th to the mid 20th
>> c. My first guess was a hubcap, but I am not completely sure and could use
>> some input! Thanks!
>> 
>> Brooke Kenline
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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> 
>