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, April 12, 2007

Set 165



952. Submitted by a visitor, 5-1/2" diameter:


Take a look at Neatorama for more guesses on this device.












953. The idea here is to name the purpose of the buildings and where they are located:












954. 10" tall:














955. 11" long, 4-1/2" between the points:












956. 5-3/4" long:




The part in the foreground can be unscrewed, revealing a small corkscrew, though it's not used for removing corks from bottles.












957. Someone sent in the photos below, looking to find more info on these tin auto emblems. In small letters at the bottom of each there is text that says Italy, France, England, and other countries. The owner would like to know if they have a specific use, and where they were purchased. 3" diameter:


4" x 2":


3" x 2":












958. The blade is 14" long:


































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.



posted by Rob H. at 3:28 AM

7 Comments:

  • 954 - Generates static electricity (not sure if would be classed as a "Wimshurst" machine). The bit on the right is a Leyden jar, what you would now call a capacitor, for storing the charge.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4/12/2007 6:17 AM  

  • 953 Either booths for the spotlights at an outdoor areena, or for the photo-finsh photographers at a track.
    954 what anon above said
    955 For picking out a standard sized bundle of some linear product (straw, etc)
    958 At a guess, a special broad axe for trimming bark off of logs.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4/12/2007 7:25 AM  

  • 953 Could be part of a firefighter training ground for high angle rescue training

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4/12/2007 7:30 AM  

  • 955 looks like a set of tongs for carrying ice blocks, from back when ice was delivered to homes on a wagon.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4/12/2007 9:14 AM  

  • 953 video camera platforms at a horse track.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4/12/2007 10:21 PM  

  • 952,Flow control handle for valve or gate(off-100%flow)
    953,Camera platforms at athletic venue.
    954,Generatot of some sort)Leyden jar to store elecvtricity.
    955,Tongs for lifting jars,beakers,etc from liquid baths.
    956,The "square" ones are Kellogs ceral premiums.Round and others prolly are too.
    957,Peelers axe?,Used by pulp loggers to debark the logs?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4/13/2007 12:40 AM  

  • 954 Re-think.Rather than generating current TO the Leyden jar,I now believe it TOOK current from a precharged jar and used it to act on powdered iron or filings in the large jar.Prolly a schoolroom device to demonstrate electrostatic energy.
    Kind of and early"Plasma Ball"

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4/13/2007 12:54 AM  

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