Hi all --
I've not been able to identify the artifact pictured on these webpages --
http://www.stanford.edu/~clevenge/the_thing
-- much beyond "iron machinery". Google's been no help, unfortunately.
Does anyone have an idea what it might be?
The site was an urban Chinatown in San Jose, CA, occupied from 1872 til
1877. The depositional context was a trash pit feature. The artifact
measures roughly 25 cm across, with a shaft that extends approximately 35
cm. The main components are the shaft and two symmetrical but inverted
pieces that would have once been movable (rotating?).
Since I'm not able to figure out what it is, I'm of course insistently
curious :) I can provide more detailed speculations about said artifact if
requested. On- or off-list replies are fine.
Many thanks!
~liz clevenger
clevenge @ stanford . edu