I found this thing? Any ideas? Its 3 1/2 inchs long and brass. It has pat. 1933

[LQQKER]

Anyone know what this is?

 

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[nhbenz]

Re: I found this thing? Any ideas? Its 3 1/2 inchs long and brass. It has pat. 1

Is there a patent number on it? At first I thought it kinda' looked like an apple/pear picker that attached to the end of a long pole, but I don't think that's it.

 

[LQQKER]

No pat. # Just 2 pat. dates. Aug. ?? 1881 and dJune 10 1933

 

[LQQKER]

No moving parts. Found it a couple years age on a farm I think. This is my 1st post. Great site

 

[krv1962]

Not sure what it is, but found an interesting site while looking...

http://www.oldstuffonly.com/patent_dates.asp

Will tell you Patent year, based on the patent number.

Ok, now back to searching for your item...

 

[I.C.Treasure]

Looks like an early Letter Opener
You did not "mention its' dimensions"

 

[LQQKER]

Anyone know what this is?

After looking close I'm not sure the Pat. years are right. could be 1800's. Just can't tell.

 

[LQQKER]

Anyone know what this is?

The back is concave like it fits on something round.

 

[Excavator]

Re: I found this thing? Any ideas? Its 3 1/2 inchs long and brass. It has pat. 1

Does the round, wire loop slip open on one side?

Makes me think of something you would use to capture a wire or rope. Like an overhead wire, then the item you found would be attached to a pole to reach it.

Just an idea.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Welcome to the forum. We really need clearer pictures. Do you have a Macro lens? Take closeup pic of writing and/or patent dates. Even though you gave dimensions, a recognizable item, such as a quarter will us help visualize the size.
http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,117700.0.html
Someone should be able to ID by searching the patent dates, but it takes time, esp. if youre not sure of the dates. Try to tell us in full exactly the wording/dates on the item.

 

[LQQKER]

Hi; The wire don't seem to move (rusty). The writing says Pat. Aug. 30 ??91 maybe. and Pat. June 1? 1??2 Pic is with a half dollar. I use a scanner to get the right size.

 

[LQQKER]

Sorry I'm new at this. Will try to send pic. again

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

better. thanks.
PAT AUG 30, 1891.
the second patent date may be
PAT JUNE 10 or 16, 1902.
I see holes where a bracket may be missing, possibly to attach to a wooden pole.

Since patent dates only stayed on for about 15 years (i think), when an item has 2 or more pat dates, they are always close together in time frame. The second Pat date would be an improvement over the original patented invention...but no more than, i think, 15 years when the first patent dates lapses. Make any sense? lol

 

[QUICKSILVER (appletree)]

I'm seeing 1831 and 1862

 

[mojjax]

That is a nice Whatsit ! Is there a hole going through it ? I was thinking maple syrup tap ? If there is no hole , then my theory is moot .

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I'm seeing 1831 and 1862

I think these dates would be too far apart. Patents only good for about 15 years. The first patent would lapse before the second patent started, and would no longer be embossed.


Where is PBK?

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

If i get time, i will try to patent search but i have never done it. I really believe the original patent and the improvement patent cannot be more than about 15 years apart. A patent is only good for so many years, even to this day.

 

[trikikiwi]

Does the round, wire loop slip open on one side?

Makes me think of something you would use to capture a wire or rope. Like an overhead wire, then the item you found would be attached to a pole to reach it.

Just an idea.

I agree with Excavator as to it's basic principle. I have tried to show how I think it must work in the pic below. A little pivoting elbow is pulled by a rod or lanyard and draws open the spring to both capture and release the .........?

Cable, animal tether, mooring line

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Heres a patent search link but i have no idea how to use. http://www.freepatentsonline.com/
another http://www.uspto.gov/patft/

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Apparently patents have a lifespan of from 14-20 years, depending on when they were issued originally and what type of patent was issued. http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html#patent

Thank you TT, but post that link again please. I stated about 15 years. You will never see two patents on the same item over 20 years apart. The first patent will lapse and the embossing needs to be removed from the casting mold. The second improvement patent can remain. Manufacturers often come up with a second improvement patent before the original lapses.