This would be so cool above a workbench or in a garage. Not randomly mounted in a haphazard way, but specifically designed to illuminate an area below it that you use in some way--kind of like the way people hang strips of lights over a bathroom vanity. I'm guessing you were drawn to it because you have an industrial sensibility. As an alternative, it seems to be its own special kind of found art--the kind of thing that could be hung with something else below it (the perfect painting, or another found piece that you love) in order to create a vignette on the wall. Do you have a loft? A soaring wall in some part of your house? A protected outdoor space in a temperate climate? Knowing more about your living space might engender more specific advice. It's very cool! I suspect you got a great deal on it.

Duh, just reread and learned that you really weren't looking for my two cents. :) Sorry about that--I'll stick with my idea, though, that it's found art, and that someone probably fabricated it out of leftover or random materials, making it truly unique with no other purpose than to generate conversation and comment.

Thanks for the response mike. Currently I live in a loft with the aforementioned soaring, brick walls. I almost felt compelled to adopt the industrial decor as I too find it my style. The fixture cost me $4, which I consider a steal. Here are a few pictures of my space to get an idea of what I'm working with. I'd love to hear your ideas.

This is a historic display of antique lamps note the bulbs are what are termed Edison bulbs ( old time filaments) bubls of this type are still available but fixtures per se not available in stores it is a custom display. If you want to duplicate hire a glass blower and have an electrician provide the keyless fixture ( place where the bulb screws in.

I think the fixture in question is a photographer's light. Perhaps incorporating an old film camera with it would be apropos. There's a few camera shops left on Woodward.

@Adrian I am well aware of those bulbs as I put them in myself to see which one would look best in the fixture. As it may appear to be a professional photo series, believe it or not, I took all of them with my phone.

@Mark, thanks for giving some clues as to actually knowing what this thing actually is. Little to know avail, after extensive investigative googling, my search results came up empty.

Is there a threaded hole near the center for a handle or tripod to be screwed into?

Like this: