Is this a steam engine part?

I picked this up at a auction the other day. People thought it was either a still part or something to do with steam. After looking around ive come to the conclusion its a steam engine part most likely.  The name VACUTOR that is on it I cant find anywhere on the internet. I bought it out of curiosity and im here first to identify it first before its turned into steampunk art. If it is something special I will do something other than incorporating it into art. Thanks for any help

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Sorry for the crappy photos looks like the uploader cropped them. Here is a shot of the other end

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Got a pic of the whole thing mate looks interesting

It certainly looks good, the copper coil on the side looks its there to cool what ever was inside.
When the rallies are on you could try taking it there, some ones bound to know.