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.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Set 174

1007. 11" long:






Another version of the same device:

From John Sindelar's collection


Click here to see a larger image.













1008. The part on the left is about 18" long:

Larger image













1009. 12-1/2" tall, made of silver and brass, from Germany
circa 1652:



Larger image
When viewing the enlarged photo it might be necessary to click on the picture to increase its size, also try hitting the F11 key to get a larger viewing area.


Larger image











1010. The word on the second line gave away the answer so a couple of its letters were removed, 13" long:



From Jim Brown's collection.











1011. 15" wide, pivoting the handle 180 degrees raises the upper part about 1":












1012. 16" tall, made in Europe around 1700, take a look at Neatorama on Thursday for more guesses on this one:







Larger image

Close-up #1

Close-up #2

Close-up #3








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.

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posted by Rob H. at 4:02 AM

7 Comments:

  • #1007 is a blackpowder power tester

    #1009 and #1012 I think are telescope alignment tools

    #1010 a broach for making round holes square

    #1011 bookbinders press

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6/13/2007 9:02 AM  

  • #1008 linemans power pole spikes

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6/13/2007 11:15 PM  

  • #1009 and #1012 are multiple sundials.

    #1011 is a office copying press (from pre-xerox days!). The more common form simply uses a screw to apply pressure. These are now widely used by bookbinders, but that was not their original function, and they are not optimally designed for that purpose, because their maximum opening is usually quite limited.

    --George

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6/14/2007 9:44 AM  

  • 1012 is a planetarium. I don't remember the spikes, but otherwise it's just like one a local museum used to use.

    Numeric grid markings are celestial co-ordinates. Looks like there's some constellation symbols on it as well.

    By Blogger Unknown, at 7/05/2007 7:39 PM  

  • Correction - 1012 is a planetarium projector. You can see some "stars" projected in one of the pictures.

    I think this thing is designed for a square room not the dome that the "dumbbell" projectors employ.

    By Blogger Unknown, at 7/05/2007 7:48 PM  

  • nice and unique collection of stuff.. like your idea.
    Regards
    Jimjamzoo.com

    By Blogger Jimmie, at 3/16/2008 10:57 AM  

  • Really strange pictures. If your whole blog is like this, you're SO COOL!

    By Blogger Andy, at 1/29/2012 11:45 PM  

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