Anybody know what this is?

[Ironicaintit]

Going through some things, I found this.
I have no idea what it is.
It looks like a brake, but the "threaded" end is more like a tap than anything.
I appreciate any help, and apologize if I stuck this question in the wrong area

 

[WestKentucky]

Can you give us some size references or actual dims? That would be a huge help.

 

[Traffer]

I don't know what it is. A couple of things I observed: The "tap" end only screws in as far as the end of the threads. The groves that are cut in the threads continue past the threads. This indicates that what ever it is screwed in to is not pressure tight, rather it would allow a lot of flow through those slots. Is it hollow? It looks like it would be. My first idea was maybe part of a steam whistle. I can imagine steam flowing through the slots and hitting the holes producing a whistling noise. Let us know what it is when you find out. It is intriguing.

 

[Ironicaintit]

Oh yeah duh. Sizes would be good...and it is hollow.
OAL is 4.350"
Diameter of the large "ported" section is .980"
The smooth shank of the "tap" end's .786", with an ID of .320, and has an o-ring.
And the end opposite of the "tap" is .705" OD, with an ID of .516

Its ported on 4 sides (20 holes).

My apologies for the sub-par ipad pics

 

[WestKentucky]

I'm close to traffer on guess. I think it is part of an air driven machines pneumatic system exhaust port. I know I have some machines in my plant with "mufflers" that I seem to recall looking like this doohickey that you have located.

 

[Stumper]

Perhaps a hydraulic(or pneumatic) valve spool.