What is this tool? ...automotive clamp?

[Shiftless]

A couple of us guys are scratching our heads trying to figure out what this old tool was supposed to do. It’s made by the Manley Co. who made automotive tools a long time ago. Like before WWII

It’s about 14 inches long and the clamping width is about 6 inches.
It’s about 8 inches tall

Anybody here recognize this tool? Some kind of specialized vise?

I suppose it might just be a portion of a larger piece of equipment.

109 39092A is on the tag. My google foo isn’t strong enough to find any references.
.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Looks like some sort of pipe clamp

 

[2oolhound]

Manley made presses so it could have something to do with them.

It would work well as a cable clamp too. Spread it wide enough to get the cable in then as tension is pulled on the cable the tapered teeth slide with the cable into the body of the clamp making it bite tighter on the cable. It might be part of a device for stringing cable on bridges, elevators etc.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I could see that

 

[Shiftless]

I think you’re on to something there 2oolhound. Thanks for your input.

Oldtuleguy: thanks for dropping by. I thought pipe at first just like you.

 

[Farmer J.]

Manley made presses so it could have something to do with them.

It would work well as a cable clamp too. Spread it wide enough to get the cable in then as tension is pulled on the cable the tapered teeth slide with the cable into the body of the clamp making it bite tighter on the cable. It might be part of a device for stringing cable on bridges, elevators etc.

It looks to me like it could be something like that, but I don't have any useful knowledge to add, so watching this thread with interest..

 

[Provincial]

Manley Manufacturing Company made and/or sold service station tools. Here is a link to auction results that show a picture of a 1927 catalog. Edit: Also York, PA address, so it is likely the same company that built the wreckers listed below.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1927-manley-garage-equipment-service-23682543

They also patented a hydraulic press in 1930. Edit: This is also from York, PA.

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/1755403.html

Here is a thread about a Manley wrecker boom from the 1920's, but the data plate says York, PA, so it probably is a different company.

https://forums.aaca.org/topic/164802-manley-wrecker/

 

[metaleltr]

The tapered wedge araangemet definitely looks like some sort of Otis brake for an elevator.

 

[Shiftless]

metaleltr:

That’s a REALLY good guess. If you or somebody you know has a cable operated elevator that is missing this part, let me know. I can get my hands on this one cheap!

 

[greg13]

I was thinking a cable swedge for crimping cable ends.

 

[MShaw]

Manley is still in York. They are now Manley Valve and make replacement automotive valves.

 

[Shiftless]

Keep the replies coming. Lots of good guesses so far. Logical. Somewhere in the quarter million people who check GJ at least once in a while, a guy has a specific reference to solve the mystery.