Dr. Beach wrote:
> I have spent probably too much time on this one, but Pete George's
> past reminder that form determines function kept me thinking.
Actually, you're remembering that Engineering truism backwards, It goes, "Form follows Function."
In everyday language, that means "A manufactured object's Form is guided by its Function." Or in other words, Function determines Form.
Although that truism holds for many varieties of relics, I've especially used it to explain why cylindrical artillery projectiles have a particular shape. The various characteristics are "there" on purpose, included on the object for a reason, related to Function ...not by accident, or just as "decoration."
Applying the "Form follows Function" engineering truism to Jdjjdd's mysterious object:
The multiple shallow T-shaped indentations must have a functional purpose. Figuring out the function they serve on the object can help lead to its correct identification.
The T-shaped identations remind me of a form of gear-teeth, or a "track" for gripping by something similar to gear-reeth. But of course, I could be completely wrong about their being on the object for that particular purpose.
Also, note the presence of two narrow grooves encircling to top of the object. Although sometimes such characteristics are merely present as an artefact of the manufacturing process, I think this time they have a purpose.
The thin copper/sheetbrass jacket which covers most of Jdjjdd's object must be there for a purpose. Typically, non-ferrous "sheathing" over iron (or steel) is there to protect the iron from rusting or other corrosion. To me, it suggests Jdjjdd's object was intended to be used in a "marine" (salty) environment -- or at least, a wet environment. For example, I've seen copper-jacketed water well pump balls.
Jdjjdd's object is very similar in shape and size to several others which have turned up on the projectile-collector market, incorrectly identified as projectiles.
Here are some photos of those. Although they lack the copper/sheetbrass jacket, it may merely be missing from them in their current condition. Also note that instead of the circle of T-shaped indentions on their lower circumference, they have two simple "flats," located 180-degrees apart from each other. And they have circular grooves/indentations on their top. The diameter of the one in this photo is 3.5-inches. That version does remind me of the male section of a stamping-die or press-mold.
Regards,
Pete
