Unusual Brass Tool / Instrument

[ANTIQUARIAN]

I found this at an old farm site in December. When I finally cleaned it today I noticed that it had units of measurement stamped into it.
I have no idea what this was used for, any insight would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

 

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[Tony in SC]

I'm sure that the bent wire was a long spring with the hook at the end. I think it was a gauge for setting the tension or gap on something. early brakes, clutches, steam valves. I had a device somewhat like that. It was used for resetting the tension on large governor springs.

 

[firemanphob]

possibly tension on v-belts.

 

[ARC]

At first glance I thought it was the "guts" to an old Chatillon / "spring scale"... but then when I opened pics I saw the measurements.

Odd little fellow isn't it.

Here is what I thought... a "sprung" one. heh

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

I'm sure that the bent wire was a long spring with the hook at the end. I think it was a gauge for setting the tension or gap on something. early brakes, clutches, steam valves. I had a device somewhat like that. It was used for resetting the tension on large governor springs.

This would make sense tony, except that the brass pieces are all riveted together and don't move.
I wonder if there's a piece missing that would slide to adjust the 'tension' somehow?
Dave

possibly tension on v-belts.

Thanks very much for your suggestion Sir.

At first glance I thought it was the "guts" to an old Chatillon / "spring scale"... but then when I opened pics I saw the measurements.

Odd little fellow isn't it.

Here is what I thought... a "sprung" one. heh

View attachment 1673063View attachment 1673064

This was one of the first things I thought that it may have been as well.
I also thought maybe a spring for a screen door, but that was before I saw the measurement guide on the side.

I think Tony's suggestion of "a gauge for setting the tension or gap on something" makes sense.

Thanks for your help Prof,
Dave

 

[bowwinkles]

I think it is half of a antique folding measuring ruler with a wire hanger attached for hanging it in a location for convenience for the operator. The full length was probably not needed for its application.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/520588038154838459/

 

[Tony in SC]

I think you're right, there would have to be some type of movable slide with a pointer maybe?

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

I think you're right, there would have to be some type of movable slide with a pointer maybe?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Tony.
I guess this piece will be relegated to the scrap brass to be recycled bucket.
Dave

 

[firemanphob]

Happened across this picture on Collectors Weekly. Looked familiar. They don't know what it is either but shows some more of the apparatus.
https://d3h6k4kfl8m9p0.cloudfront.net/stories/SbNw4M0Ave0euCJ-RFNAow.jpeg
https://d3h6k4kfl8m9p0.cloudfront.net/stories/j31k8z5dvO7K8LwjV8-ZvA-smallw.jpeg
https://d3h6k4kfl8m9p0.cloudfront.net/stories/6zVQxad96uZxFCYuivTETg-smallw.jpeg
https://d3h6k4kfl8m9p0.cloudfront.net/stories/wuEF8SD4HJiOg-9auKDbkA-smallw.jpeg

 

[Older The Better]

Total guess but maybe there’s another piece that hung down from the top over the measurements and was basically a plum bob and the measurements would tell you how far off level you were... seems overly complicated but it would be my best guess

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Happened across this picture on Collectors Weekly. Looked familiar. They don't know what it is either but shows some more of the apparatus.
https://d3h6k4kfl8m9p0.cloudfront.net/stories/SbNw4M0Ave0euCJ-RFNAow.jpeg
https://d3h6k4kfl8m9p0.cloudfront.net/stories/j31k8z5dvO7K8LwjV8-ZvA-smallw.jpeg
https://d3h6k4kfl8m9p0.cloudfront.net/stories/6zVQxad96uZxFCYuivTETg-smallw.jpeg
https://d3h6k4kfl8m9p0.cloudfront.net/stories/wuEF8SD4HJiOg-9auKDbkA-smallw.jpeg

Thanks very much for this info Mike, this is definitely the same item as mine.
It's unfortunate that they don't know what it is either.

You'd think a piece that has been designed for a specific purpose would've had a patent number or at least the makers name on it.

Thanks again for your help my friend,
Dave

Total guess but maybe there’s another piece that hung down from the top over the measurements and was basically a plum bob and the measurements would tell you how far off level you were... seems overly complicated but it would be my best guess

That would certainly make sense OTB... I need to have another coffee and think about this some more.
Thank you for your help,
Dave

 

[Older The Better]

That was weird maybe I was half asleep last night but when I commented I was the first to reply then this morning I was way down on the list. I think there were some better answers than mine haha, I just thought I’d get the ball rolling turns out I was late to the party

 

[HuntinDog]

I think it may have something to do with seamstress and dress making/ alterations