Another Mystery Object
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 29
Another Mystery Object
OK this came off another forum, a guy, probably 20-30yo found it when cleaning out his grandfather's attic. He/they have no idea what it is. If someone knows, please speak up, or PM me if this turns out to be not so kosher for the site. You can only imagine the not so clean guess that were offered. Oh, I don't have any idea what it is either, so if you guess, i can't say if your right or wrong.
DESCRIPTION:
t appears to be a sheet metal box, painted black, with four clasps around the base. When the top is lifted off, it reveals two leather straps draped over two stationary "wheels" with loops on one end and 12.5oz weights on the other.
There are two stamped indents on the bottom plate that fit the weights perfectly. The wheels on it DO NOT MOVE, they are stationary with a pin or pressed or something.
DESCRIPTION:
t appears to be a sheet metal box, painted black, with four clasps around the base. When the top is lifted off, it reveals two leather straps draped over two stationary "wheels" with loops on one end and 12.5oz weights on the other.
There are two stamped indents on the bottom plate that fit the weights perfectly. The wheels on it DO NOT MOVE, they are stationary with a pin or pressed or something.
Last edited by ag-ford-4x4; Apr 25, 2007 at 11:00 AM.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
If the wheels moved I would say this is a science class demo of friction braking.
But since the wheels don't move it is a bit odd. I would guess the two leather? straps are finished different on the "friction side" and that the class would hang various weights from the D loop and see how the different finish on the leather affects the friction, ie heavier weights mean more friction. This is how they used to stop cars way back.
Course they pay big bucks in Hollywood for the real use of this little jewel.
Jim Henderson
But since the wheels don't move it is a bit odd. I would guess the two leather? straps are finished different on the "friction side" and that the class would hang various weights from the D loop and see how the different finish on the leather affects the friction, ie heavier weights mean more friction. This is how they used to stop cars way back.
Course they pay big bucks in Hollywood for the real use of this little jewel.
Jim Henderson
Last edited by jim henderson; Apr 25, 2007 at 11:37 AM.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
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I agree with jh. The leather straps are reversed (note the reversed screws on the ends) so that the brown one has the rough side out and the black one has the finished (slicker) side out. I am curious, though, why one black and the other brown. To eliminate variables, I would think they would make the pieces out of the same strap. Also, why 12.5 oz.? Why not 12 or 16 or some more standard weight?
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 29
I have no clue. This was posted on the A&M Message board, so all the responses were probably from younger folks, no one turned up any good solid guesses. I figured this site might generate good guesses or someone who knew exactly what it was because the age range on here is older (no pun, offense, etc meant at all) and people here are generally more mechanically inclined and can 'figure' stuff out.
So far, the responses seem like good guesses.
EDIT: More info on grandpa and his professions...in case it helps.
Grandpa was a radio operator, banker, and rotarian; like his father. My Grandfather '44 fought in WWII in the Rainbow division and helped liberate a few concentration camps in Germany.
So far, the responses seem like good guesses.
EDIT: More info on grandpa and his professions...in case it helps.
Grandpa was a radio operator, banker, and rotarian; like his father. My Grandfather '44 fought in WWII in the Rainbow division and helped liberate a few concentration camps in Germany.
Last edited by ag-ford-4x4; Apr 25, 2007 at 12:00 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 329
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
Just a guess...
I'm only speculating that the box is used for storage only and plays no role in the actual function. It does appear that one of the leather "straps" has been replaced before from what I can see of the rivets in the photo.
I'm guessing (since these are the same weight) that these could possibly have been used to calibrate a set of scales.
I'm still looking though...
I'm guessing (since these are the same weight) that these could possibly have been used to calibrate a set of scales.
I'm still looking though...
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,628
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, Canada
My guess is a strop for sharpening razors. But that's probably a bad guess.
http://www.nashvilleknifeshop.com/2piststrashs.html
This is the closest thing I can find to the actual strop, and maybe the apparatus is some sort of device to keep the strops in good repair, something a barber may have owned...??
http://www.nashvilleknifeshop.com/2piststrashs.html
This is the closest thing I can find to the actual strop, and maybe the apparatus is some sort of device to keep the strops in good repair, something a barber may have owned...??
Last edited by furball69; Apr 25, 2007 at 01:27 PM.
decadent and depraved
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,703
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From: Right Behind You
Originally Posted by Keepin It Real
I agree with jh. The leather straps are reversed (note the reversed screws on the ends) so that the brown one has the rough side out and the black one has the finished (slicker) side out.
Tim
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,495
Likes: 7
From: Not as far west as I want
Originally Posted by ag-ford-4x4
I have no clue. This was posted on the A&M Message board, so all the responses were probably from younger folks, no one turned up any good solid guesses.
and people here are generally more mechanically inclined and can 'figure' stuff out.
So far, the responses seem like good guesses.
EDIT: More info on grandpa and his professions...in case it helps.
Grandpa was a radio operator, banker, and rotarian; like his father. My Grandfather '44 fought in WWII in the Rainbow division and helped liberate a few concentration camps in Germany.
and people here are generally more mechanically inclined and can 'figure' stuff out.
So far, the responses seem like good guesses.
EDIT: More info on grandpa and his professions...in case it helps.
Grandpa was a radio operator, banker, and rotarian; like his father. My Grandfather '44 fought in WWII in the Rainbow division and helped liberate a few concentration camps in Germany.
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,918
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From: Michigan
Are you kidding me?You put a picture like that in front of me,with my warped imagination and you want me to tell you what I think it is?Without getting myself banned from FTE for life? 
Ok,how about a display sample for a salesman from the horse and buggy days?
Ok,how about a display sample for a salesman from the horse and buggy days?
Jäger
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 5
From: Northern Arizona
Originally Posted by furball69
My guess is a strop for sharpening razors. But that's probably a bad guess.
http://www.nashvilleknifeshop.com/2piststrashs.html
This is the closest thing I can find to the actual strop, and maybe the apparatus is some sort of device to keep the strops in good repair, something a barber may have owned...??
http://www.nashvilleknifeshop.com/2piststrashs.html
This is the closest thing I can find to the actual strop, and maybe the apparatus is some sort of device to keep the strops in good repair, something a barber may have owned...??
The brown strap would actually wrap around the other way, smooth side out. Maybe they are different types of leather for a different blade finish or type.
Possibly part of a portable Barber Shop kit for guys working in the field, maybe to keep knives/razors sharp for gutting and skinning game.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 29
They are all good guess....i have no clue what it is. What i do know is that it apparantly is not a regular piece of equipment that people used according to this site and the A&M site. I think the original poster sent a pic to the smithsonian for ID and a couple of other places.
Jäger
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 5
From: Northern Arizona
Originally Posted by Mil1ion
Those razor sharping straps were 2 ft long and and 3" wide and hung from the side of the barber chair.