What is it? Pics included

[daepp]

I got this from an estate in a box of tools. Any ideas? I thought it was some kind of plumb bob but I don't know what the sliding point would be for. Any guesses?

 

[nmanitou]

Looks like a compass for creating circle templates.

 

[porcupine73]

My dad has some things like that, that he and his father used when farming. I'm not completely sure, but that one looks like a device he said was used in scalding pigs. That they would somehow hook the slaughtered pig's legs to that device and then it would be dipped in a cauldron of boiling water.

 

[Torque1st]

An IUD for extra insurance with a medieval chastity belt...

 

[bill9860]

Stop - you are making me hungry!

 

[regguy1]

I'm guessing..but it loooks like it might be for tightening up rope or cord without using a knot...some sort of rope tool / tensioner (?)