leeana fired this volley in
ups.com:

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l2...ana14861/3.jpg

It appears to be what's left of a well pipe (4") recovery tool, minus the
expanding collet between the two large washers.

They're used when a length of pipe has been accidentally dropped into a
well. The conical portion "finds" the pipe, and the (missing) collet
expands to grip it inside.

LLoyd