✅ SOLVED C. W. White & CO. Indianapolis

[DiggerKep]

found this yesterday, it is stamped with C.W.White & CO. Indianapolis. I can't find anything on that company on the intenet. It appears to be brass/copper and my first thought was something to do with old clocks. I have found quite a few old clock parts in this area, but this is heavier than I would expect in a clock. the "key" appears to be something to tighten this, but obviously it is not working as it used to. thanks in advance for any ideas on this.

 

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[Mike from MI]

Welcome to Tnet. Not sure how it would go on an old clock, but I look forward to seeing a positive ID.

 

[BosnMate]

I can't see how it can be a crank for anything the way the handle is arranged, and with those several holes arranged along the bottom it looks like a handle to adjust the opening on something, perhaps a draft or feed chute of some sort. I've looked at cream separators, corn huskers and forge blowers, and have found nothing that compares. Perhaps someone knows for sure and will post.

 

[DiggerKep]

Here is another close up. This is of the gear part of the piece.

 

[nhbenz]

I can find that C W White manufactured suspenders, crutches, leg braces and related goods, and operated at least from 1898-1918. C w White Co Trusses Stockings Medical Boston MA 1918 RARE Letterhead | eBay
I would imagine the war wounded would have given them enough demand to stay in business beyond that, unless they merged into another company.

 

[nhbenz]

Perhaps part of a truss that gets cinched up with the gear portion... I see they made them for hernia and leg applications.

EDIT: Ok, just now noticed that this company was in Boston, oops. I'll try again.
Further correction: They were also in Indianapolis, according to this: http://www.mocavo.com/Indianapolis-Indiana-City-Directory-1865-66-Volume-1865-1866/470514/309

Final thought: Jeez, I don't know if that's the right company or not!

 

[DiggerKep]

I'm going to call this one solved. At the very least I know more about the company and a possible id. Thanks for the help.

 

[nhbenz]

Ok, this seems more conclusive; I think this part can be seen on one of their trusses in this old catalog:
Trusses Catalog, Medical Antiques, Ed Welch Antiques, LLC.