Gonna need some serious help

[JessEm]

I've been saying it for years, the knowledge base in this form never ceases to amaze me. But this time I think I've got a serious curve ball...

 Found in an old barn.  It's comprised of both ferrous and nonferrous metal, possibly brass, I haven't dug into it...

 It's a light or lantern of some sort. It has an igniter, similar in principle to the ones in old Coleman lanterns...

Any thoughts/ideas on what these were for? Is it simply some kind of old outdoor (or indoor) light? Was it fixed to a horse drawn carriage? What kind of fuel might it have used? Any help is appreciated.

[oldgoaly]

gas lamp, turn of the century 1900coal gas or natural gas most were in cities aka city gas

[john k]

Right, gas lamp, most likely in a home.  Hung down from the ceiling,  ceilings were tall, nine to ten foot in the latter half of the 19th century.   The ring supported a glass globe to diffuse the light.   The small ring on the valve was for turning on the gas.  Could be lighted from the floor with a hook tool on a pole.  A neat find.  Have been in a couple of homes that still had the gas lamps. 

[EVILDR235]

It's late hon, just let me blow out the light. Opps. We are gathered here today to pay---------------------------------------------

EvilDr235

[mvwcnews]

Our 1907 Post Office still has some of the gas light valves on the lobby walls.  When I explain to people what they are and why the lobby ceiling is so tall some of them start to take a serious look.  My house has some gas light piping buried in the walls & ceilings from an early 20th Century remodel, but none of it is exposed or visible. 
The old "town gas" generation plant building is still standing in York & a local businessman has remodeled it into a private club.  Instead of charging for drinks, he just has a donation jar on the bar -- does not need a liquor license that way.

[JessEm]

Thanks for the help! I might be guilty of overthinking this one a bit lol

Interesting stories, too! Thanks!