What might this thing be then ? [pics]

[Andy_1984]

Came across this while walking along a secluded part of the canal. It appears to be for melting/pouring. The metal hopper or what ever is hinged and its all welded together quite well.

 

The bricks seem a sort of ceramic and have a "Ting" when you flick them with a fingernail.

 

Doesn't appear to be as though a fire was lit under it though...

 

 

 

 

[chesters1]

What a mystery i would first plump for lead melting but the thing would have to be gas powered to melt such an amount and the handle thicker .

The frame is interesting its as something sits on top and drips into it then it gets further cooked and decanted into something.

Cannot for the life of me think whats its for

[Andrew]

Its a BBQ, roast the animal over the plate, then drain the fat away ?

[Andy_1984]

You might be on to something there Chesters. I'm sure there was something on top of it when I seen it a few weeks ago from the opposite bank, I thought it was a bird house at first.

 

There was a bit of plastic nearby that was melted.

 

What i did also notice was if you look around the edge of the dirt mound it looks like clay/mud that's been used for something to do with it perhaps ?

[chesters1]

Large scale swan fat rendering ,but it all seems to dirty to make anything edible on it at least edible to us brits!

If the spouts are used its a mystery if just on the object and not used perhaps the fire was in the tray and fish encased in clay cooked above it ,but there should be signs of scales or backbones about if thats the case

Probably the hunting barbiyng colonials will know as they are closer to err nature

Edited April 8, 2013 by chesters1

[corydoras]

It looks like someone has been or is planning to melt lead or aluminium.

[poledark]

Any one done any boat repairs there recently? Repaired any lock gates? Seems to have a def purpose, the 3 spouts being at different levels, and the welding looks good and the general design and the way it clips on to the fire bricks point to a proffesional job.

 

Looking at the overall design I think that the different spout levels are deliberate. Doesn't look as though any pitch/tar or plastic was melted, more likely lead, would be difficult to melt aluminium out in the open.

 

Got to say it looks a bit like a few of the "discards" in my workshop a "one off" job perhaps?

 

Den

Edited April 8, 2013 by poledark

[Dales]

I tend to agree with Den, it looks like a bespoke piece but for what I don't have a clue. But sure it will make a great ash bucket for a barbecue. Which may be what it has been set up for in its current position.

[garylee]

Portable urinals for two adults and one child (insert appropriete smiley here)

[Dales]

Maybe a water feature designed by Diarmuid Gavin?