Sorry for you threadless/early telegraph diggers who started getting excited reading the title...

I have owned this piece for about five years now and was told it was used as part of the distribution system in the NYC subways. I have always been attracted to the shape of this piece but I have no idea what it is and who made it.

The measurements are 2" x 5" x about 7 1/2." It is marked with a recess-embossed "5401" on one side.

Thanks for looking!