I immediately thought that it was part of a bubble Galileo thermometer.
Though I have no idea when they came into popularity and most often the
inside floaters are round.

Examples here:
http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/2653140/2/istockphoto_2653140_bubble_thermometer.jpg

and here:
http://www.accumall.com/Weather-Instruments/Thermometers/Galileo-Thermometers/Galileo-Thermometer---11-inch.html
and the dreaded wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galileo_thermometer

Just a thought.

Kristin

On 2/26/08, Carl Steen <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> I found this item in a mid 20th century context. Any ideas? Image at:
>
> http://38ch69.com/What%20page.html
>
> Thanks
> Carl Steen
>
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