What is this [tool]?

[isr2kba]

I got this today from a basement shop of an old timer. I was asked about the purpose of many of the items in the shop. Many I knew, some I did not. Here's one that really stumped me. Any ideas?

The two round buttons on the side can be compressed inward, lengthening the object and then springing back when released.

 

[AndyCBR]

Reminds me of some type of governor assembly. The rotation makes the buttons swing outward and shortens the length of the assembly.

I think older steam engines used something similar.

 

[isr2kba]

With that said, Andy, the buttons appear to be made of lead.

 

[larry_g]

A governor mechanism. I have one similar from an office machine.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[notlob]

Worm gear with centrifugal governor to regulate rpm.

 

[joe_padavano]

Reminds me of some type of governor assembly. The rotation makes the buttons swing outward and shortens the length of the assembly.

I think older steam engines used something similar.

And this, by the way, is the origin of the term "balls out". The governors on steam locomotives used spherical weights, and when the engine was running at top speed, those balls were flung as far out from the center shaft as possible.

 

[nine4gmc]

This thread is a two-fer, I learned two things from it!

 

[DennisB]

Possibly a speed control from an old Victrola (old spring driven record player).

Dennis

 

[TOOLS4WORK]

you know you can always tell when the governor is standing still cause his balls just hang down