What is this for?

[wmlw4]

Hi there! Can anyone tell me what this is used for? :) I love it, but don't know what it is for, who made it, or if it has any value :D Can anyone help?
Thank you!!
Mary Lou
It won't let me post the photo. :'( If anyone can help me with photo posting tips that would be helpful! I'll try it again -
Thanks!!

[wmlw4]

Tryin again ::)

[Mike Bohannon]

Maylou, it looks like a 'firestarter' with the wand missing.  I think they were called 'Cape Cod Firestarters' and maybe some other names.  Here is a link to a modern reproduction one and it tells how it was used.  Does it look similar to this?  Mike

http://www.gardeners.com/Cape-Cod-Fire-Starter/default/StandardCatalog.Accessories_Cat.35-438.cpd

[wmlw4]

Thanks Mike! It looks like that's the ticket 8-)

Thanks Tom! How'd you do that?? I need photo lessons for in here :-[ I have a heck of a time :( Are there any links or lessons on how to edit the photos and how to use the buttons above?
Thanks again!

Mary Lou

[Preston Edwards]

Marylou:

What are the dimensions of your cast iron piece? I remember seeing  a large pot that was hung over an open fire and had a ladle or spoon that was left in the pot while it was cooking.

Preston

[wmlw4]

It's only 5" tall to the top of the actual pot, and close to 7" across at the fattest point.  [smiley=ani_smiles.gif] I'd love to use it for my salsa, but that might not be a great idea :D
A honey pot sounds good too!! 8-)

[Harry Riva]

It sure looks like a fire starter missing the wand to me. The pots were filled with oil, kerosene, etc. and the wand, which had a porous stone on one end, sat in the pot soaking up the starting liquid. You pulled the starter wand out let it drip for a few seconds, lit it and then used it to start your fire. A container of sand was kept nearby to extinguish the starter once the fire was going and you can find these with grains of sand in the bottom.
Harry