What is this light?

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by colin jones

Morning all, I have recently bought this big light and would like to know what is its history and ID. It is about 500-600mm dia and is brass and copper. I asume it is WW11 era and looks like something that would be off a ship. There are no markings that I can see but polished up would look great in any display. Any helpers out there.
Colin.

During the First Gulf War (90-91) Canada sent an AOR "tanker" ship to the Gulf. The navy knew how to work with other NATO countries, but had fun with some of the other helpers. Apparently the machinists had to make a number of fittings so everyone could refuel at sea. After a while, someone asked what "that" piece was for. No one could immediately recall, but an old salt observed. 'It's big, it's brass. It must be British.'