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, May 31, 2007

Set 172

995. Releasing the lock mechanism and turning the dial will loosen the rope and allow the two pieces of wood to be separated (approximately 6"-8" maximum). Patented in 1877, 12" long:

Take a look at Neatorama for more guesses on this device, he's giving away two T-shirts this week, one for the first correct answer and another for most humorous guess.











996. 10-3/4" long:

Larger photo














997a. 4" long, this tool has three functions:













998. 11" long, the head of this hammer is made of metal:

From Jim Brown's collection.











999. 16-1/2" long, this tool is missing its wood handle:














1000. 18" tall:






































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.

Labels: , ,

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Set 171

989a. 6" long:


Both of these large keys were marked as being for the same purpose.

989b. 5-1/4" long















990. 6-5/8" long:













991. Approximately 4"-8" tall:

Larger image

These devices are slightly related to the ones in the previous photo:

Larger image











992. Submitted by a visitor:













993a. 11" long:




993b. This is a similar tool that performs the same function, 9-1/2" long:


Patented in 1885

From Jim Brown's collection.











994. 4-1/4" 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.

Labels:

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Set 170

983. 36" long:



Take a look at Neatorama for more guesses on the use of this hammer. From Jim Brown's collection.











984. 4-1/4" long:














985. 27-1/2" long:












986. Approximately 2-1/2" long:



From Stan's collection.











987. 9" long:















987a. 10" long:











988. 17" 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.

Labels:

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Set 169

977. 3-1/2" long:



From Jim Brown's collection.











978. 5-1/2" long, submitted by a visitor:














979. 12-1/2" long:














980. 5-1/4" long, held closed by a spring:
















981. 11-1/2" long, compressing the handles opens the jaws at both ends:

For more guesses on this device take a look at Neatorama, where Alex is offering two t-shirts as prizes, one for the first correct answer and another for the most humorous guess.











982. 7" long, from the mid 1800's, this is a particular style of knife that is still available today:





































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.