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 > > ________________________________________________________________________ > More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! - > http://webmail.aol.com >