ANTIQUE CIVIL WAR ERA~SCIENCE~VACUUM DEVICE~ONE OF A KIND

Description

THIS UNIQUE SCIENCE PIECE CAME FROM MY LATE ELECTRICIAN FRIEND'S EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF CIVIL WAR MEMORABILIA.
As the story was told to me: It was discovered during the 1960's renovation of the old science building in downtown Charleston, S.C. where my friend was employed as an electrician, later presented to him for his outstanding service.
It is in good antique condition with all the expected use and age wear to all the parts.
Input suggests that it is probably a vacuum device,  possibly custom made for  science projects.  It bears no manufacturer's markings.
THE STAND ASSEMBLY:
A solid dark wood stand, comprising 3 sections and measuring 19" in overall height, is supported by 2, 15" tall screw-in wood spindles.
Section 1---the wood base---is 15" in diameter.
Section 2---three, 2" tall feet/stands---are attached with dowels/screws to the base and extend underneath (photo 7).
Section 3---a wood strip---is attached to the spindles by round, screw in brass mounts, left & right, to form the top of the stand (photo 5 & 6) with an additional center screw mount which is bent and non-functional.
A round brass plate measuring 4 1/2" in diameter would screw into section 3's center screw mount (were it functional) acting as a support/lid for the heavy, thick (hand blown?) round glass tube.  The glass measures 14 1/4" in height and 4 1/2" in diameter.  An opening in the wood base houses the bottom of the glass tube.
See photos 8, 9, 10 &11 for close-ups of the wood apparatus equipped with a rubber gasket and two individual brass fittings. I found it resting inside the glass tube, positioned as seen in photo 1. Photo 2 shows the brass fitting protruding from the base as another possibility. A round brass fitting is attached by a long threaded screw which extends the length of the wood apparatus and fixed with a washer at the apparatus's base (photo 9).  Photo 11 features the other brass fitting which attaches to the above. The apparatus does not appear? to be a hollow container making the two brass fittings key to its function.
I MAKE NO GUARANTEES AS TO ITS ORIGINAL USE, SO PLEASE EMAIL ANY QUESTIONS, COMMENTS OR REQUESTS FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AS IT IS BEING SOLD AS IS.
INSURANCE OF .00 IS INCLUDED IN THE BUYER'S S&H COST.  IT CAN BE WAIVED BY REQUEST IF BUYER ASSUMES ALL LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE, LOSS OR BREAKAGE RESULTING FROM SHIPPING.
THANK YOU FOR LOOKING!