What is it?

I've been collecting unusual objects for quite a while, and several years ago I started posting them on this site as puzzles for visitors to figure out what they are. Most of the items are mine but a few belong to others, if you aren't interested in tools there are plenty of other type objects that have also been posted.

For first time visitors I recommend this archive for a wide variety of some of my best pieces.

Thursday, February 02, 2006

575. Approx. 5" long







576. 3" diameter






577. 8" tall, patented in 1914





578. 3-1/2" long, submitted by a reader of this site





579. 1-5/8" long, the far end is threaded




580. 29" long




Answers

posted by Rob H. at 7:30 AM

7 Comments:

  • 575 : Looks like some kind of mercury thermometer, not sure of specific use though.

    577 : Toaster

    578 : Pressure gauge? Again not sure of application

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2/02/2006 5:47 AM  

  • 576. a part of a samurai sword.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2/02/2006 5:48 AM  

  • 576 Tsuba - Japanese sword guard. Often decorated with gold.
    577 Toaster of my childhood
    580 Tongs used to bend standing seams on sheet metal roof.

    By Blogger Canem, at 2/02/2006 6:41 AM  

  • 575 - Violet (or ultraviolet) wand for a quack "violet ray" medical device. Sometimes called an electrode rake, the gas inside of it, when energized, created ozone and ultraviolet light, both of which where purported to be cures for various skin diseases. Heat was also produced and gave rise to a diathermy effect (probably the only legitimate benefit of the device). The "case" power source is not shown, and that energized the gas in the electrode wand/rake -- note the copper bushing on the end of the rake's handle. Various "styles" of electrodes are seen in these types of items.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2/02/2006 12:33 PM  

  • >75 : Looks like some kind of mercury thermometer...

    Incorrect

    >577 : Toaster

    Yes

    >578 : Pressure gauge? Again not sure of application

    Nope

    >576. a part of a samurai sword.

    Correct

    >578. Antique automotive radiator cap, pressure guage.

    Nope

    >576 Tsuba - Japanese sword guard. Often decorated with gold.
    >577 Toaster of my childhood
    >580 Tongs used to bend standing seams on sheet metal roof.

    All correct

    >575 - Violet (or ultraviolet) wand for a quack "violet ray" medical device.

    Yes

    By Blogger Rob H., at 2/03/2006 4:16 PM  

  • 578 - device for testing rockwell hardness, measuring the hardness of steel

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2/03/2006 9:28 PM  

  • 579: Cleaning jag for a muzzleloading firearm. Would be maybe 0.050 - 0.080" smaller than the bore diameter.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2/04/2006 10:54 AM  

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