Mike Dobony wrote:
We found this thing in the basement of my daughter's home they just bought.
Can anybody identify what it is?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23816537@N04/2267656766/

I'd cast my vote for it being a phone line surge arrestor.

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia
(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)
The speed of light is 1.8*10^12 furlongs per fortnight.