It's a separater. You throw cut wheat into one end and it separates the grain from the husks. Powered by the flywheel on a tractor (either steam, gasoline, or kerosene engine) and a long drive belt. This looks like it might have been in use about 1895 to 1915. The pipe on the floor was what the grain came out of and would have been attached to the top part of the machine. Nice monochrome treatment, but the angle isn't so good. Find a threshing show next summer and take photos of one of these in action.
Thanks for the ID.
I couldnt get any other angles, unfortunately. Seen at the NC State Fair last month.
As to what compelled me, opportunity. Not the best reason to take a photo, or at least to guarantee a keeper.
I agree with Kent to find one in action outdoors. You did well capturing the separator, but the lines from the building beams and other extraneous gear compete for attention. Outside, you could get a low angle shot isolating it.
