ENGINE

Unidentified non-ferrous object that probably represents part of a ships engine or fixtures and fittings. It appears constructed from a copper alloy, measuring approximately 114 mm by 102 mm, being 52 mm in thickness. The open face of the item exhibits a circular central lug or axle measuring c. 38 mm in diameter, which extends c. 25 mm from the solid rear face. The open face bears a circular aperture, comprising approximately 270 degrees, which flairs out towards the outer edges of the object meeting the top left hand corner on the left side and meeting the edge on the right hand side approximately 25 mm from the upper edge. This circular aperture, with the lug at its centre, has a diameter of c. 95 mm. The interior of the object is not recessed beneath the edges of the aperture and therefore forms a a solid shape between the solid and open faces, conforming to the circumference of the aperture. The solid face, presumably forming the rear of the object, is approximately 6 mm thick. The outline of what may be a screw hole for affixing is visible 3 - 4 mm from the top edge just to right of centre on the solid face. The object has 3 closed and one open side, where the circular aperture flairs outwards. Of the closed sides two are straight, running at right angles to the opens side, with the remaining closed side opposite the open side being slightly curved. This slightly more aesthetically pleasing element may indicate that this is in fact the top edge of the object.

The intended function of the item is not immediately apparent, though clearly something is intended to either run through the object or pivot around the central lug. Though no firm identification has been established the suggested functions include a bearing case, a rail mount, a hinge pivot or a cable relay.