Set 321

For first time visitors I recommend this archive for some of my best posts.



1837. Approximately 5" long:

































1838. 26" long, take a look at Neatorama for more guesses on this tool and a chance to win a T-shirt:

Larger image



































1839. Someone found this in South London and is looking to find its exact purpose:


















1840. 21-1/2" long:






























1841. 20" long:















































1842. Sent in by a visitor who would like to identify this device:

Larger image












Answers:


1837. A clock pendulum, it doesn't actually contain mercury though it was made to look like a pendulum that does:

































1838. This tool is an ice splitter that was used on an ice wagon to cleave large blocks, the hook was used to move the ice blocks around in the wagon, similar to patent number 499,286.

Larger image



































1839. Haven't been able to verify any of these guesses for this tool:
-for collecting money at a toll booth
-for scooping fish
-used when making cheese
-retrieving wash
-getting food from a deep fryer
-draining water from food
-pool skimmer


















1840. A shoemaker's peg float or peg break, the heels of shoes were attached with wooden pegs, this tool was used to cut off and smooth the end of the peg that projected above the insole.





The pegs can be seen in these two photos of shoemaker tool boxes:

The ten similar looking tools that are lined up vertically are burnishers for use on the edge of a shoe sole.
Larger image




Larger image

























1841. A dental float that was used on a horse, their teeth wear unevenly and must be filed down occasionally.



Since the peg float and dental float look similar, they are sometimes incorrectly identified, but there are some obvious differences between the two.
The peg float is slightly convex, has coarse grooves that extend to the edge, and has rounded corners. The dental float is flat, has finer grooves, and has a metal border to protect tissue adjacent to the tooth. For more information on these two tools, check out Bob Roger's article in 'The Gristmill', a publication of the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association.




Not all dental floats had pivoting heads, this must be a deluxe model.









































1842. A wireless transmitter for use with a guitar:

Larger image















To submit photos, send them to the address in my profile.















Last week's set is seen below, click here to view the entire post.








Black Ops Pro Tips
More discussion and comments on these photos can be found at the newsgroup rec.puzzles.

Set 320

For first time visitors I recommend this archive for some of my best posts.



1831. The wood base is approximately 24" long, c. 1920, take a look at Neatorama for more guesses on this device:

Larger image































1832. 40" long:





































1833. About 36" inside diameter, c. 1840:




















1834. 35" long, this unidentified tool was submitted by a visitor:

Larger image

























1835. Another unidentified item that was sent in:




Close-up #1
Close-up #2







































1836. 9-3/4" long:

Larger image













Answers:


1831. A rotary spark-gap transmitter that would have been part of an amateur radio station back in the 1920s.

Larger image































1832. A stagecoach horn, it was sounded by the driver when he got within earshot of a hostel, one blast for each passenger, to alert the innkeeper that he was approaching and to be ready to receive guests. A lookout lad would run inside with the news so that upon arrival food would be waiting and hot water and towels would be on hand.

Larger image



































1833. A hollowed-out sycamore tree section that was used as a grain bin in the 1840s:




















1834. Haven't been able to verify any of these suggestions for this tool:
-flat belt shifter
-for moving bales of hay

Larger image

























1835. Probably part of the frame for a punching bag:












































1836. A Primus lighter, it uses a flint and shoots sparks when the handle is compressed:

Larger image


















To submit photos, send them to the address in my profile.















Last week's set is seen below, click here to view the entire post.








Black Ops Pro Tips
More discussion and comments on these photos can be found at the newsgroup rec.puzzles.

Set 319

For first time visitors I recommend this archive for some of my best posts.



1825. Approximately 14" long, take a look at Neatorama for more guesses on this one and a chance to win a T-shirt:

Larger image



Larger image

































1826. 11-3/8" long, submitted by a visitor who is looking to identify this device:

Larger image
Close-up image


































1827. 7-3/4" long, a souvenir from Siam that was sent in by a visitor who would like to find out what it's for:

Larger image

















1828. 3" long:


























1829. About 1-1/2" diameter, someone found this in their house and is interested in knowing its purpose:



The power cord goes from the device into this transformer and then into a wall outlet:







































1830. 44" long:

Larger image


















Answers:

1825. A crossbow winder or cranequin, the two hooks pull back the bow string when the handle is turned:

Larger image































1826. Don't yet have an answer for this device:

Larger image
Close-up image


































1827. This souvenir from Siam is probably a muddler, used at a bar to stir drinks and crush fruit:

Larger image















1828. A license for a horse, it was hung on the harness, most likely for a horse used with a commercial vehicle:


























1829. An ultrasonic fogger, for plants, ponds, terrariums, etc.








































1830. A corn planter, patent number 102,618:

Larger image




















To submit photos, send them to the address in my profile.















Last week's set is seen below, click here to view the entire post.








Black Ops Pro Tips
More discussion and comments on these photos can be found at the newsgroup rec.puzzles.