Vintage Laboratory Apparatus for Melting, Ashing? Industrial, Gas Fed, Steampunk

Description

Unusual Vintage Laboratory Apparatus for Melting, Ashing? Industrial, Gas Fed,  Unusual Steampunk. This is an estate item and I am not exactly sure what it is. This is metal with an iron top. Has a makers mark "H".  I consulted a chemist and she was stumped as to what this is.  Approx. size is 7 1/4 " tall and  the melting pan is 3" across. Has age-related wear and some pitting to the iron pan. Selling as-is.
This might be a great décor item or project piece!