What do you see?

had a very educational afternoon, got my hands dirty, and studied this fascinating object.

Can you guess what it is?

Clue #1: it is old, from around 1885.
Clue #2: object seen from the back
Clue #3: again, the back of the object
Clue #4: The answer consists of 2 words...

First one to guess the right answer can come up with his/her own reward. Name it, and I'll get it for you :) I can't think of anything clever :) good luck!