It's function/operation is well-described (and illustrated) in this 1958 
GM patent for an "automobile heater system" :

https://www.google.com/patents/US3051393



On 1/23/2017 2:12 PM, Richard Wright wrote:
> The 4 bolts indicate to me that it bolts onto a vehicle frame . The flange suggests a pipe or hose attaches and the recessed area in the top? suggests a place for a gasket. Is there a number or name anywhere? ….
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> Oops - Bob got it. Similar ones can be found with a Googelsearch on “vehicle air-flow-control damper.”
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> Richard Wright
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>> On Jan 23, 2017, at 11:48 AM, Sarah Heffner <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>
>> Thanks!
>> ---- Lyle Browning <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>> It has more the look of a form of stove damper mechanism.
>>>
>>> Lyle Browning, RPA
>>>> On Jan 23, 2017, at 2:17 PM, Sarah Heffner <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Does anyone know what this artifact is? It was found in association with a treehouse that was likely used in the mid-1960s. I thought this might be a lantern but I have not been able to find any images of lanterns that look like this. Is it some sort of food processor? Any help with IDing is appreciated!
>>>>
>>>> The artifact is 5" wide at the base, 6" wide at the top, and 6" tall.
>>>>
>>>> Here is a link to the Dropbox folder with the pictures: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wt25uopzl2qchp8/AADT3ge6W9AHXYah0qxZNSYea?dl=0
>>>>
>>>> Thanks!