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, September 04, 2008

Set 248

1399. 12-1/2" long, take a look at Neatorama for more guesses on this one:



The hinge allows the metal plate to pivot about 90 degrees:






















1400. 12-3/4" long, hundreds of tool collectors have seen this device but no one has yet been able to identify it:

From Jack Devitt's collection


The solid brass parts can be separated about 1/2", but a strong spring keeps them together as shown in the first picture.


























1401. The idea here is to describe the purpose of this unusual building:

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A satellite shot from Google maps:




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1402. Except for the two with blades, all of these metal and wood tools were used for the same task:

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1403. Around 9 or 10' long:

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1404.

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To submit photos, click on the profile link at the upper right to find my email address.

























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 2:50 AM

8 Comments:

  • 1402 - wire fence tighteners?

    By Blogger Ray, at 9/04/2008 5:56 AM  

  • 1401 is a baghouse, a large filter for cleaning up dirty flue gas emmissions from a steelmaking furnace.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9/04/2008 7:48 AM  

  • 1399 Old fashioned Hair Straightener.
    1401 I know where this building is. Its in North St. Louis. Was told it used to make ordinance (bombs & such) during WWII. Would assume it has something to do with ventilation for such projects. Thought this building was torn down a few years ago.
    1402 Various forms of tie down rope locks.
    1403 Hay Rake or loggers rake
    1404 Hay Bale lift. Or cork screw for a very large bottle of wine.

    By Blogger Unknown, at 9/04/2008 7:52 AM  

  • >1402 - wire fence tighteners?

    Incorrect

    >1401 is a baghouse...

    The building is part of a glass container plant, I suppose it could still be a baghouse.

    >1399 Old fashioned Hair Straightener.

    Nope

    >1401 I know where this building is. Its in North St. Louis...

    The building is actually located in Indiana.


    >1402 Various forms of tie down rope locks.

    Yes, but they were used for a specific purpose.

    >1403 Hay Rake or loggers rake

    This one isn't a rake.

    >1404 Hay Bale lift.

    Correct

    By Blogger Rob H., at 9/04/2008 6:45 PM  

  • 1401: We had one of these in Corning, NY, which used to manufacture Pyrex/Corelle. I suspect it had something to do with ventilation or cooling off of the finished products. Or maybe, it was used as suggested above, but for glass.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9/10/2008 9:04 PM  

  • 1400 a chamfering or deburring tool to make a bavel on a sharp corner

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10/01/2008 7:06 AM  

  • Ooops, I mean bevel, of course.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10/01/2008 7:07 AM  

  • 1403 spear for sturgeon

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7/22/2012 4:45 PM  

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