Wall Bracket for lamp???

Hi All.. Wondering if anyone can help identify this piece we dug out of an old barn. It looks like a bracket for a lamp.. But there are no pipes or holes for wires. Its marked to the rear Rd No 248092 which looking online seems to date it to around 1895. Did it hold rushes and burn openly? The bowl measures 5" Diameter and from swivel bracket to front is approx 12". It appears to have what is either a very worn brass plating or very badly corroded brass.. But since Brass doesn't corrode! I assume its the former.
Any ideas would be gratefully appreciated.