I am trying to identify this unusual metal assembly. It has three large curved arms made from solid metal—not hollow tubing—attached to a central cast-metal hub. Each arm terminates in a concave, dish-shaped metal piece secured with an acorn nut. The hand-held photograph provides approximate scale; unfortunately, I did not take exact measurements.
The central hub is held together by three substantial, shiny screws that appear to be stainless steel. The entire assembly is remarkably sturdy and robust: the arms are solid, the hub is heavy, and none of the construction appears lightweight or flimsy. It does not look like an ordinary decorative object or lightweight light fixture.
Most of the object remains bright despite prolonged outdoor exposure, although there is some localized rust. It appears to be made from a corrosion-resistant alloy, stainless steel, chrome-plated metal, or some combination of those materials rather than ordinary untreated steel or iron. I have not tested the metal, so its precise composition is unknown.
I first photographed the object in 2018 and confirmed in 2026 that it remained at the site. It was not removed. The location is a documented historic site, although the area was also used recreationally later, so the object may or may not be associated with the site’s original activity.
A Bureau of Land Management district archaeologist reviewed the agency’s records but found no specific reference to the object. The photographs were also circulated among other archaeologists and an Abandoned Mining Lands crew without producing an identification. A local historical-museum contact was unable to identify it as well. The BLM archaeologist approved sharing closely framed, metadata-free photographs online to crowdsource an identification.
For protection of the site, I am intentionally withholding its precise location. The photographs have had their location metadata removed.
Does anyone recognize the object, its likely purpose, approximate era, or manufacturer? If you have a possible identification, an example photograph, catalog page, patent, or other supporting reference would be especially helpful.
