Any Idea what this is?

Handle is glass, golf ball sphere pivits, screw on cap on top with opening on cap. No marks I have no clue

 

Looks like a cigar lighter missing the wick.

Third row down:
https://www.google.com/search?q=spirit+cigar+lighter&newwindow=1&biw=1067&bih=726&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwihwpybvcbPAhVCrD4KHcV8DKcQ_AUIBygC#imgrc=_

 

That is what it is. It would be left burning on the table for the gentlemen to light their cigars with. Late 19th, early 20th C.

 

I THINK the gimble arrangement implies that this one is a nautical model. Maybe not................

 

I think it is just so you can pick it up and wave it about..

In any sea rough enough to matter I'd not have any naked flames standing about in my ship.

 

But let us consider that you are of a practical bent and not a self-conceited, pretentious, Victorian "gentleman" who has never been on a boat, let alone a ship. Remember, the Hindenburg, hydrogen or no, had a smoking room..............

 

The Hindenberg had a very carefully construced and controlled smoking room, in order to ensure the passengers did not sneak a crafty smoke somewhere more dangerous.

But I'm not sure what your point is. If it is that mock nautical was fashionable, I agree.

 

Looks like silver. Look it over for silver markings. Possible locations of the marks on the gimble ring, bottom of ball/font, around or on the collar or burner, top of handle, etc...

On this one the marks are on the ring and on the stand arm.
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-us/...0016/lot-ba3b4f8b-ee29-4af7-9cdf-a441014aaf46

https://www.google.com/search?q=gim...=649#hl=en-us&tbm=isch&q=gimble+cigar+lighter

--- Susan

 

Very cool! Thanks so much. Maybe ill put lamp oil in it.

 

I am pretty sure it would have used methelated spirits, possibly in some kind of wadding, or benzine.

 

Ordered 1/8 in lamp cord on Amazon

 

At the end of the chain it's missing a cap that would have gone on burner to keep the "methelated spirits"/alcohol from evaporating when not in use. This gimbal lighter probably dates from c1920s. If it had any silver hallmarks or maker's mark, we could pinpoint the date more accurately.

--- Susan

 

Thanks susan, no silver marks on it. doesn't polish like silver.