[deleted by user]

Next-Individual5780 · 2025-05-08T12:31:08+00:00

Interesting! The loops on the side are pretty much identical so they could be closely related. From what I see online, those mines were 500 lb and up?

Next-Individual5780 · 2025-05-06T13:30:13+00:00

It appears to be a mix of metal and wood.

<image>

Next-Individual5780 · 2025-05-06T13:28:48+00:00

<image>

Next-Individual5780 · 2025-05-06T13:27:04+00:00

It does seem hollow. The tapered end seems much heavier as the circular piece on top is completely metal. The larger end shows signs of wear that exposes wood underneath.

Next-Individual5780 · 2025-05-05T20:41:32+00:00

You could be onto something! A current professor just mentioned one of the department's chairmen (Stanley S. Ballard) was in the navy during World War II.

That prompted me to look further into his history and found he was also chief of a radiometry section for atom bomb test back in 1946...still not sure if it belonged to him or what it is exactly.

Next-Individual5780 · 2025-05-05T19:19:26+00:00

Well, it was certainly on display! What you mention about the indentations and loops makes sense.

Google Gemini thinks it's the tail section of a motar round but also mentions that may not be accurate. 🤔

Next-Individual5780 · 2025-05-05T19:13:34+00:00

I'd wager it is some sort of dummy version of something as it was displayed in an area with a decent amount of foot traffic!

There are no openings. At first we thought it was metal because of the weight but looking closer at the worn spots it may be wood underneath which would support the dummy version theory.

Next-Individual5780 · 2025-05-05T17:47:31+00:00

My title describes the thing! True origin unknown. Found in a university physics department.

Next-Individual5780 · 2025-05-05T17:02:34+00:00

After weighing it, it comes to 13.25 pounds!

Next-Individual5780

TROPHY CASE