Can anyone help me ?

[Blink]

I have found a number of these items at an old house site and I believe they are the pistons used on the old shallow water rope pumps. Can anyone verify this for me ? I have not been able to find a picture showing this type being used.

Thanks - Blink

 

[Aarong81]

Yes its part of a chain pump, called a "chain pump-bucket".
See the PATENT here from 1877(only an improvement to the already existing chain pump).

Heres some pics of others finds similar....
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachments/what/43399d1332385216-double-looped-thing-lead-well-chain-fitting-water-well-chain-pump.jpg
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachments/what/43398d1332370705-double-looped-thing-lead-well-chain-fitting-water-well-link4.jpg
SOURCE

Heres a modern, rubber chain bucket...
http://image.lehmans.com/lehmans/Images/products/main/gpb.jpg

Heres an auction for an AD that shows how they work....
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/1918-Ad-Red-Cloud-Chain-Pump-Curbs-Queen-West-Water-Drawers-ORIGINAL-ADVERTIZING-/120858600085

 

[Blink]

Thanks Aaron, I thought maybe that was what they were but I could only find info. on rope pumps.