Reed & Barton Silver plated Kerosene Something?

When I bought this Reed & Barton piece, I thought it must be pewter or plate because it was covered in such a brown layer of thick grime. (Edited to remove reference to silver based on feedback from members.) It is not magnetic and my sunshine cloth brings out its brilliance. After a couple hours, I stopped cleaning it until I can determine what it is and if it is worth continuing on. It is about 4 inches tall and 4 inches wide and weighs 8 ounces. I removed the cap to the chamber, and the smell of kerosene was thick in the air. There is a screw and a hole on the end of the long tube, so I'm thinking food warmer, maybe or a light and that has an adjustment. Any clues\guesses will be gratefully appreciated.

 

sterno burner for a chafing dish, could be wrong but I don't believe it is sterling silver

 

I appreciate your thoughts. Other non magnetic metal then. It isn't sterno though. It's definitely kerosene.

 

Absolutely not sterling.

 

Why do you say this?

 

silver is a good conductor...it would get too hot....
but still, high class food warmer...

 

Could be for coffee, tea, or any samovar type of application, too.

 

I can see samovar or the like as it has to sit in something like a ring to hold it in place. Thus the step down design.

 

I edited my post based on the initial feedback from members that the piece can't be silver.

 

Because it is not marked as sterling (and at this point in US silver holloware production it would have been.) And what Komo has mentioned about heat.

Could have been underneath anything that needed warmth maintenance or heat for cooking like a chafing dish or tableside crepe pan - or such.

 

Thank you for this. I am here to learn.

 

looks to be missing it's handle ..

 

Like the piece at the end of the rod on this Thomas Goode one?

 

Looks like an alcohol burner,they were supplied with many versions....https://www.google.com/search?clien...hUKEwiB4cv51-bmAhXHbc0KHdm1BRIQ4dUDCAo&uact=5

 

i was hoping for more of an ivory or bone handle.....would make more sense that it's missing...

 

I think you're onto something. Thank you very much.

 

You and me both. I was hoping for something interesting. This isn't a cheaply made thing.

 

but most i see are metal knob handles.....and several say silver plated......so ..there's that..!

 

I’m not unhappy with this outcome. Every time I learn a little more and always appreciate the interest and effort members put into posts, like you. I paid $3 for it.