Another "What The Heck Is This?"

[ritestuff]

I've seen some pretty obscure items identified here at GJ, but I think this one will be a challenge. It's some type of small machine. It seems pretty old and is very well engineered. I don't have a clue what it's supposed to do. It has no markings, names, or numbers on it. It operates a series of mechanical functions when you turn the handle. The end result is the two little arms in the front violently snapping together at the end of every rotation.

I obtained it at a barn sale that was mostly machine shop tools, but there was also some automotive repair stuff there too. Anybody ever seen one of these?

 

[gungatim]

wow...totally flummoxed on that...looks pretty cool though. only thing I can guess is for twisting or braiding wire maybe...

 

[wornoutoldman]

used for making barbed wire?

 

[Rookie2]

used for making barbed wire?

I can see this as a barbed wire maker but can't see making miles of wire by hand.

Chevy truck hood ornament !

 

[countryroad82]

Well I was going to make a small rant about why would one buy something not knowing what the heck they're getting or if they will ever use it in their lifetime (I make my living off my tools, very few hang around as a conversation piece, or for that matter waste space in my box knowing I'll never use it. Some of you might understand what I mean). BUUUTTTT that thing is one of those friggin' cool things I would probably throw some pocket change at simply because it would keep me entertained while either on a drunk (don't really do that anymore) or while bored waiting on paint to dry (which is often). Don't really have much of a clue as to what it is, depending on how violent the 2 pieces snap together I was thinking some type of riveter or some sort? Maybe some type of tack device? Idunno!

 

[ritestuff]

Well I was going to make a small rant about why would one buy something not knowing what the heck they're getting or if they will ever use it in their lifetime (I make my living off my tools, very few hang around as a conversation piece, or for that matter waste space in my box knowing I'll never use it. Some of you might understand what I mean). BUUUTTTT that thing is one of those friggin' cool things I would probably throw some pocket change at simply because it would keep me entertained while either on a drunk (don't really do that anymore) or while bored waiting on paint to dry (which is often). Don't really have much of a clue as to what it is, depending on how violent the 2 pieces snap together I was thinking some type of riveter or some sort? Maybe some type of tack device? Idunno!

Yes, I generally am well aware of what I buy at these sales. I will admit to having the "packrat gene", and am guilty of buying too much ****. This thing however, caught my eye, especially since I pulled it off the top of the trash pile on the side of the garage. They had a pile of stuff designated for scrap, and most of it was there because they had no idea what stuff was, or if they thought it had no value.

So basically, the seller told me to add it to my "pile" for free. This thing has a multitude of adjustments on it. I just am really stumped as to what it might do. you would actually have to see it operate through one complete revolution to fully appreciate how many different operations this thing goes through before those 2 little pointed arms snap together.

 

[gungatim]

I have googled every thing I can think of...Best I can come up with is making links or clasps. maybe small brackets. something goes in the opposite end of the handle, gets held while folded or crimped. appears to be a length stop.

I thought maybe for cutting wire to length for screw making, barb wire barb making, doesn't seem to twist, this thing really has me wondering if other pieces are missing (likely)...

 

[My Old Tools]

i think we need video....

 

[jakemac]

An automatic circumcisor ?????

 

[egnorant]

Hmmm...it seems to pull something from below via the slot in the mount. Pulled then clamped, positioning was important by the angle things on the vertical jaws (anvils?) and the spring arm on the lower jaw. Possibly ribbon or strap?

The broken leg and rather cobbled looking mount may indicate that it was pulled from its original use and the machine screw on the broken leg side looks like it may impede the swing of one of the jaws.

Haven't figured how the adjustable sprung gear indexer applies to the function. Does it control throw of an arm or is there some twist involved?

Would love to see the faces of the jaws to see if they contain cutters, positioner, embosser or whatever...might shed a clue.

Assuming right hand turning the crank it may have been mounted vertical.

Once you find out what it can do that narrows it down some.

Bruce

 

[Rookie2]

A large straight blade tooth set !

 

[Private Lugnutz]

+ 1 on the video.

What does the thing connected to that spoon handle do? Release, grab or cut?

The cool thing about turn-of-the-century to mid-century manufacturing is that the machines and machine tools were often more of a marvel than the end item they were used to make or maintain. And that's precisely why antique and vintage tools have a value to many people beyond the utilitarian. There is so much history in them, the "gene" (or social instinct) to save them becomes an implicit patriotic gesture. There's no reason to apologize for recognizing that. It's why "American Pickers" is so popular.

 

[gungatim]

A large straight blade tooth set !

you're probably right. maybe for a big sawmill rig. the index is probably for different TPI...

 

[Piper27]

Does it have a patent number on it? If so you can look it up.

 

[notlob]

Band saw blade setter:

http://members.acmenet.net/~con12a/saw%20set%20website/bandsawset.htm

"New Britain Machine Company also known as the Equal Blow
Aubrey Pineo Patent Oct 20, 1896 # 569,766

The first represents the patent with the advance pawl pulling up from the top.
The second represents a change to the patent with the advance pawl pushing up from the bottom and uses Robert Brown Patent Sept 12, 1899 # 632694 saw clamp.

Advertisement is from 1903 Simonds catalog"

 

[ritestuff]

Band saw blade setter:

http://members.acmenet.net/~con12a/saw%20set%20website/bandsawset.htm

"New Britain Machine Company also known as the Equal Blow
Aubrey Pineo Patent Oct 20, 1896 # 569,766

The first represents the patent with the advance pawl pulling up from the top.
The second represents a change to the patent with the advance pawl pushing up from the bottom and uses Robert Brown Patent Sept 12, 1899 # 632694 saw clamp.

Advertisement is from 1903 Simonds catalog"

Now there's some brilliant detective work. and it was even more difficult since it appears that this one has been broken and repaired with new legs. Thanks a million.

 

[Lassen Forge]

A large straight blade tooth set !

That or a Big Mill Radial Blade.

 

[DAVID5300]

Whatever it is it seems to be built well.

 

[nine4gmc]

Not much gets past these guys!