This object was recovered in 2001 from the Monitor’s wreck site. Since its recovery, there has been much speculation as to the function of the artifact. It has been suggested that this object served as some kind of valve, possibly within a radiator-like system. It is also thought that it may be a component of a monitoring instrument, or even a whistle.
![](https://www.marinersmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/IMG_1652-1.jpg?w=1024)
When viewing the interior of the object, screws can been seen fastened through pieces of metal plate and what may be a rubber gasket.
![](https://www.marinersmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/IMG_1665-1.jpg?w=1024)
X-rays taken of the object last week provide details on the interior of the artifact. In the image, both screws and pieces of metal plate can been seen in profile as well as threading that indicates the object is composed of two main components.
![](https://www.marinersmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/oddity-1.jpg?w=1024)
![](https://www.marinersmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/XRF1-1.jpg?w=1024)
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis of a portion of the object identified it as being composed primarily of copper.
So, what do you think it is?