Whatchamacallit with stars

[jhamner]

I tried this item in Today's Finds and Civil War, without much luck. Someone said of this site "these guys know everything", so I thought I would give it a shot here--anybody have any ideas as to use, age, etc.? Thanks!

 

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[Blacksheep]

Neat item, are those free-spinning wheels on each end (like a pulley)? Size reference may help in the I.D.

 

[jhamner]

Neat item, are those free-spinning wheels on each end (like a pulley)? Size reference may help in the I.D.

Thanks for your reply and yes, they are free-spinning, except that they only go part ways around because of bent spots on the pulleys and in the frame in which they rest. Sorry about not giving size--I just forgot!--Height is 5 1/2" and width is 4". Pulleys are about 1/2" in diameter, and the frame is about 3/8" wide by 1/4" thick. The entire piece is made of brass. Thanks again!

 

[Tuberale]

Odd spur, perhaps?

 

[mrs.oroblanco]

Kinda wide on the sides for a spur, maybe. Maybe this will help?

B

 

[MSRelic]

Maybe it was made to slide along a thin metal bar or wire with something hanging from the eye. Possibly to pull or push a cooking utensil from or to a position over a fire. Obviously I'm just guessing.

 

[jhamner]

Maybe it was made to slide along a thin metal bar or wire with something hanging from the eye. Possibly to pull or push a cooking utensil from or to a position over a fire. Obviously I'm just guessing.

Sounds like a good guess to me--thanks for your reply!

 

[naturegirl]

It's neat! Maybe part of some kind of scales?

 

[Mackaydon]

Does the object spread apart, like the top frame of a purse?
Is there a missing clasp piece?

 

[Bramblefind]

Maybe a piece of a suspension lamp lighting fixture -

 

[Blacksheep]

Maybe a piece of a suspension lamp lighting fixture -

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I wish we had something for size in the pic but it looks like a killer ID.

(that contraption doesnt look safe)

 

[dg39]

I think it was just nailed...A hanger is what it was.
DG

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Maybe a piece of a suspension lamp lighting fixture -

Nice ID!

 

[mainer]

Great ID.

 

[vayank54]

Very cool. I was going to say part of a scale until I saw Bramblefind's ID.

 

[jhamner]

It's neat! Maybe part of some kind of scales?
[/quote

Someone on another forum suggested that, too. That was also my best guess---Thanks!

 

[jhamner]

Does the object spread apart, like the top frame of a purse?
Is there a missing clasp piece?

No, the two thin brass parts of the frame are riveted shut at the pulleys on both ends. I'm not sure if it's missing a clasp or not, but I'm pretty sure (like me) it's not all there! I think maybe it had some sort of cord or wire that suspended from the loop at the top, and passed over the pulleys--maybe to a pan or something for weighing stuff. Thanks for your interest.

 

[jhamner]

Maybe a piece of a suspension lamp lighting fixture -

That piece at the top looks EXACTLY like it! Thanks so much for the info!

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Excellent Id Bramblefind!