What's this?

GaryBC

I found a strange object when clearing out my parents' loft. It's a cluster of copper rods in a glazed ceramic holder, electrically connected to several yards of insulated copper wire. 
Does anyone know how I might be able to identify what it is? 

steviebabes

Could it be an aerial for an old valve radio?

GaryBC

Hmmm... Possibly 

JetpackVelociraptor

If you're stuck, there's a community for exactly this kind of question on reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/whatisthisthing/

I don't know what it is, but I think that's a good place to try.

GaryBC

Thanks. I'll give it to try! 

Belenus

It might be an old earth rod for connecting electrical installations to earth/ground. I have never seen one like that but it is possible. They are usually a lot longer.

GaryBC

Belenus said:

It might be an old earth rod for connecting electrical installations to earth/ground. I have never seen one like that but it is possible.

Yes, I had thoughts along those lines too. 

katsoocam

If you don’t get an answer from the Reddit thread, I would try a repair cafe. Full of retired engineers and tinkerers - one of them will know!

GaryBC

Thanks for that. It seems to have stumped Reddit so far! 

Eldi_Dos

@GaryBC
What line of work was your Dad in, could give a clue to its origin.

The colour of the paint and the yellow tape would make me think along the lines of something from GPO, unless the yellow tape is a recent addition.

GaryBC

Yeah, no, sorry about the tape, that's just a random selection simply keeping the wire coiled up neatly-ish. I added it! The green glazing on the ceramic may be relevant though. 
Dad was a driving instructor I'm afraid so no leads there.