Weird old A/C motor contraption found in garage. Help Identify

[jamesr242]

Sorry, no pics but I found these weird A/C motor contraptions in my 1955 house from the previous owner and I have no idea what they are. They are about the size of a drill charger or power brick (maybe 4"x3"x 2") with no real provisions for mounting that I saw. They have cords that plug into 120v 3 prong outlets and look pretty old (maybe 70's or older). On the back it has a female socket (square shape, about 1/4" in size) that just rotates very slowly when you plug it in. Anyone have any idea what these things are? Socket wrench tester? I have no idea!

I'll see if I can get some pics when I get home. Thanks!

 

[gungatim]

it's for a gas grill, rotisserie motor.

 

[KenC]

sounds like the description of a grill spit rotator motor

 

[Erampu]

It's an IED. Run!!!!!

 

[jamesr242]

Looking at the google search images you guys are 100% right on this one! Thanks, it was driving me nuts! I didn't even know such a thing existed. I guess I'm no grillmaster, haha

 

[redmondjp]

Looking at the google search images you guys are 100% right on this one! Thanks, it was driving me nuts! I didn't even know such a thing existed. I guess I'm no grillmaster, haha

Back in the 1960s and 70s, almost every BBQ that I saw was set up to use a spit - you could see that there were cutouts in the lid midway between the front and back of the grill - this is where the spit would go. Shove a bird on it, and use that box you already have to keep it spinning.

Ron Popeil just improved on the idea:

http://www.popeilfamilystore.com/rotisseries.html