Unusual object has yard owner puzzled

A reclamation yard in Glastonbury is hoping readers of the Central Somerset Gazette can help to identify a mystery object.

The clay object, which has been at Glastonbury Reclamation for around a year, was 'registered' in August 1873 and is stamped with the number 274805.

It is a hollow object, with no lid, and it has kept James Dash's customers guessing for some time now.

"It's been suggested that it could be a Victorian rhubarb forcer, but I think it's a bit too decorative for that, or a cover for a pipe – perhaps over a furnace – but the inside is very clean, and unless someone's scrubbed it, it's never had a naked flame inside it," he said.

Other suggestions have included lanterns and an ornamental beehive or bird box, as well as decoration for a water fountain.

As well as a series of holes around the base, 'lid' and rim of the item, there is also a small semi-circle carved out of the clay at the base of the item.

"We think the serial number might relate to a catalogue of some description," Mr Dash said.

"Perhaps someone out there might have a copy of a Victorian Catalogue and they can tell us what it means."

Can you help to identify this mystery object? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact the Central Somerset Gazette at Southover, Wells, Somerset BA5 1UH, email central@midsom news.co.uk or call 01749 832336.