SOLVED. some body hep me! Some type of grabber? What is it?

[dg39]

SOLVED. some body hep me! Some type of grabber? What is it?

I have seen parts grabbbers for mechanics but this pre dates them I think. From an old doctors estate. Given to the museum. They (the family thought it was a medical instrument) I dont know. Anyone?? 13 inches long. Fancy well made twisted heavy gage wire. Not soft wire.
DG

 

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[True_Metal]

Re: some body hep me! Some type of grabber?

I'm no expert, but I hope it's not what I think it is.

 

[dg39]

Re: some body hep me! Some type of grabber?

I'm no expert, but I hope it's not what I think it is.

Maybe I should not use it as a swizzle stick?
DG

 

[stefen]

Re: some body hep me! Some type of grabber?

I'm no expert, but I hope it's not what I think it is.

Nope. You can rest easy now!

it's the other thingy.

 

[boomer46901]

Re: some body hep me! Some type of grabber? What is it?

I have one juist like it. It is about 10 years old. Yours is missing the center wire that has a loop on the top. When you press it up or down, it causes the wires on the grabber hand to open or close. It is great for plucking small screws or bolts from the bottom of an engine compartment when you drop them.

 

[dg39]

Re: some body hep me! Some type of grabber? What is it?

I have one juist like it. It is about 10 years old. Yours is missing the center wire that has a loop on the top. When you press it up or down, it causes the wires on the grabber hand to open or close. It is great for plucking small screws or bolts from the bottom of an engine compartment when you drop them.

No, there is and never was a center wire. What you see is what it is. That is why I do not think it is a conventional grabber. And I know for a fact it is 1900 to 1940 vintage.. sorry boomer!
DG

 

[PBK]

Re: some body hep me! Some type of grabber? What is it?

​

 

[Dirt Dobber]

Re: some body hep me! Some type of grabber? What is it?

Me thinks PBK nailed it.

 

[dg39]

Re: some body hep me! Some type of grabber? What is it?

Come on dg39, you're in LA. ...you dont' know a mud bug catcher when you see one

Too little for a mud bug catcher. The Crayfish around here are lobster size.


Thanks to PBK. I never thought in that direction.. Knew it was not a grabber.
DG

 

[Montana Jim]

Re: SOLVED. some body hep me! Some type of grabber? What is it?

Nicely done PBK...

 

[get-r-dug]

Re: some body hep me! Some type of grabber? What is it?

​

can you imagine ANYTHING only costing 3 cents! But I guess that'd be like 10 dollars today.

 

[stefen]

Re: some body hep me! Some type of grabber?

I'm no expert, but I hope it's not what I think it is.

Nope. You can rest easy now!

it's the other thingy.

See!

Told ya its not what you thought it was

 

[True_Metal]

Re: SOLVED. some body hep me! Some type of grabber? What is it?

Coming from a Doctors estate, I'm still not convinced.

 

[trikikiwi]

Re: SOLVED. some body hep me! Some type of grabber? What is it?

IMHO

Probably the index and forefinger plugged the two holes on the device, so using them naturally, you are grabbing 'something' by moving the ring 'down' the 'prongs' to tighten them.
The prongs don't open again until they are released from the ring so...
Odds are...the device grabs a rag and cleans a longish tube.
Maybe more like a Laboratory piece of equipment.

Mike

 

[Angelo]

Re: SOLVED. some body hep me! Some type of grabber? What is it?

Sorry PBK. Your picture does speak a thousand words.

Here's one just like DG's.. And it quacks just like your find PBK. Oddly it's not in a Doctor's supply and rather in an antique lamp shop.

http://www.thelampworks.com/lw_info_chimneys.htm

Tony

 

[PBK]

Re: SOLVED. some body hep me! Some type of grabber? What is it?

Thanks, Tony!

Yep... compare it to the bottom item in the last photo on the left at:

http://www.thelampworks.com/lw_chimneys_04.htm

 

[dg39]

Re: SOLVED. some body hep me! Some type of grabber? What is it?

Hey! There is no doubt in my mind. It go's on display as stated. Thanks!!!!! That's the reason I frequent this place. Sometimes I can lend my experience and sometimes one of you can help the museum......And it is appreciated.
DG