Very unusual tool spotted on ebay UK

[Brunel]

Any idea what this for?

From: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Antique-Vintage-Phillips-Screwdriver-/272277241220

It's obviously a right-angled mechanical screwdriver - I suspect the vertical shaft at the left end is hollow and takes a bit, which is rotated by the T handle on the right via the bevel gears. The piece at the bottom looks like it might slide along a rail or locate into a slot.

The listing has another picture of the closed case, but it doesn't have any identification on it. It's probably not military due to lack of markings on both the tool and box. It must be for a very specific application. Perhaps scientific, machine tool, or civil aviation?

I have seen a lot of strange things in my time, but never anything like this!

 

[2oolhound]

The little block 1/2 way up the side looks like it grabs a rim of something to help hold it in position (kind of like a can opener works)

 

[B_Bimmer]

The whole thing looks homemade to me. Definitely limited production for a defined purpose. Pretty cool.

 

[Brunel]

The whole thing looks homemade to me. Definitely limited production for a defined purpose. Pretty cool.

I'd say not home-made - it's too good for a one-off. The metalwork looks like it was done in a factory. The wood box is also very neat.

 

[cgrutt]

Haven't a clue what it's used for but very cool!

 

[rlitman]

Reminds me of a carb adjusting tool.

 

[Al Borland]

I'd say not home-made - it's too good for a one-off. The metalwork looks like it was done in a factory. The wood box is also very neat.

Probably not a one-off but not impossible. My Father-in-law was a machinist and modelmaker and he would make his own specialty tools with more attention to detail than any mass-produced item. Depends in the guy making it.
Best guess would be a machine tool for an industrial process, an assembly line repair/adjustment tool.

 

[Brunel]

Reminds me of a carb adjusting tool.

I think you might be right, possibly for a motorbike.

I'm a diesel guy so I don't do carbs !

 

[tym]

Well now the time's to buy it, with the pound in the toilet and all.

 

[Brunel]

Well now the time's to buy it, with the pound in the toilet and all.

I'm actually in the UK!

 

[tym]

Now's the time for me to buy it! ��

 

[laser3kw]

My Father-in-law was a machinist and modelmaker and he would make his own specialty tools with more attention to detail than any mass-produced item. Depends in the guy making it.

second that!
I worked with a few guys that could make anything and you couldn't tell it from a "factory" made tool / part. Alot of times better. I truly admire those guys and strive to learn all they could offer.
When I was a mode maker, I made a completely stainless steel transfer stand. But I had the use of a wire EDM. Couldn't tell it form a "factory" stand.
It's purpose was to use on large surface grinders with powerful magnets. I could make measurements in any area without turning the magnet off.

 

[Jazz1]

The whole thing looks homemade to me. Definitely limited production for a defined purpose. Pretty cool.

Looks like the alternative tool would be a hammer! A great piece of work by a ambitious lad for sure!

 

[B_Bimmer]

Probably not a one-off but not impossible. My Father-in-law was a machinist and modelmaker and he would make his own specialty tools with more attention to detail than any mass-produced item. Depends in the guy making it.
Best guess would be a machine tool for an industrial process, an assembly line repair/adjustment tool.

Exactly. Everything about that is straightforward and simple to see how it was done with the exception of the bevel gears, which are easily acquired. If I had a purpose for it, it looks like something I would make. It's doubtful I would be so proud of it to make a box as well, but I certainly could if I felt it was necessary for some reason.