I think that chain was what we used to call a "sky hook". Just out there. There was a guy in town who had an old car. He weighted and balanced it so that it would remain level on three wheels. He removed the right front wheel and welded a hook and chain to the fender so it looked like the chain was holding up the car. The chain was about 4 feet long, links welded together, and just stopped in mid-air. He would drive this around town on a pretty day. It was something different!!!
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet"