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, January 25, 2007

Set 154

Welcome readers of bookofjoe.com

884. Approximately 10" x 6":












885. The smaller ones are about 2" wide:












886. 12-1/2" long, more guesses on this tool can be found on Neatorama:












887. 7" long, submitted by a visitor:













888. 9-1/4" long, the purpose of this device is unknown:


In this photo, the end is being pushed against a table top:












889. 13" long x 2-1/2" wide, another unidentified tool sent in by a visitor, the center section contains a glass plate with graduations marked on it that range from 0 to 20 at 1 cm intervals, also with marks indicating millimeters. There is an adjustment knob opposite the dial that moves the glass plate and its frame.

The knob rotates very smoothly and the max range of movement of the frame is about 3.5 mm. The dial indicator changes based upon the pressure applied by the frame on the glass plate.
The only markings on the case are" Kirem" and "Koinzidenz - MaBstab" and on the face of the dial indicator it reads "Carl Mahr esslingen aN" [sic].


































Answers
























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








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



Thursday, January 18, 2007

Set 153



878. Approximately 8" long:














879. Submitted by a visitor wanting to know how it's used, he has four of the Napco Air Discs in 5.5", 6.25", 7" and 7.5" diameters. Both sides look the same and the design is "etched" into the metal.












880. Eight hollow brass tubes, each 4" long:
















881. Someone found this device on the road when going to school in Australia about 30 years ago. The cylindrical piece in the middle is tapered on the inside so it only fits together one way. It's marked "STELLON Regd" on both sides of the collar, not sure what it is:














882. 12" x 12" x 18":












883. Another one from Australia, the needle is magnetic and points to north/south, it's 6 inches long overall and there is only 5 degrees of movement, its exact purpose is unknown:

































Answers
























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








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



Thursday, January 11, 2007

Set 152



872. The metal frame is 4-7/16" long x 2-1/4" wide:




The main part hangs freely and will stay in the same position as the frame is rotated 360 degrees or more.


When in use, the device is kept in this round box:


Opening the flaps reveals a hole and a slot into which the frame fits:












873. 62" long:












874. 10" x 6" tall, sent in by a visitor looking to identify it:


It appears like it was meant to be mounted on a pole and works like a vise when the two brass knobs are turned. The center knob raises and lowers the mechanism.














875. 14" long x 12-1/2" wide:














876. 9-1/2" x 5-1/2", another unidentified item submitted by a visitor. Text on one side reads "ROYAL MFG BY E C STEARNS & CO SYRACUSE NY", and the other has "Patented Dec 5 '76, Jan 16 '77, Feb 6 '83 and Oct 9 '83."












877. Approximately 5" tall, more guesses for this tool can be found on Neatorama, this week he is offering a t-shirt for the first correct answer.

































Answers
























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








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



Thursday, January 04, 2007

Set 151



866. 7-1/2" long:












867. Submitted by a visitor hoping to identify this tool, etched into it is "88th" and "US". Here is the owner's description of it:
The handle part is about 6" long and the front section is about 3". Width is about 3/4". We have found "42A1474" stamped on the ratchet (serrated thing). The screw threads in and out and it appears to be used to clamp something in the upper jaw. The surfaces of the lower jaw are smooth. We received this from a 83 year young person who has had it forever and he said it could have been his fathers or grandfathers.















868. 3-1/2" long:














869. Another unidentified item sent in by a visitor:


3" long:














870. Approximately 16" long, more guesses on this one can be found on Neatorama.












871. 7" long:























Answers
























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








Additional discussion on these photos can be found at the newsgroup rec.puzzles.