Mystery object?

[melv]

http://oi65.tinypic.com/14mt8co.jpg

 

Does anyone on here know what the above object was used for. It's stumping everyone on another forum I use.

 

Better picture http://oi65.tinypic.com/14mt8co.jpg

Edited May 14, 2018 by melv
better pic

[Dun graftin]

I'me not sure but I think my mum was the girl that makes the thing

that drills the hole that holds the ring

that drives the rod that turns the knob

that works the thing-ummy bob

 

Sorry couldn't resist that ;-)

[medusa]

Looks like a jig for some sort of processing machine to me, but as for what it actually held, I have no idea I'm afraid.

[only_me]

Is it possible this is an old fashioned fire safety device that was fitted to a door? It would either lock it or open it during a fire, it might be missing a glass cover if so. This glass cover could also be smashed to release the lock. Could be Im wrong but many years ago I seen something with a similar design on a really old fire escape.

[peak4]

http://oi65.tinypic.com/14mt8co.jpg

 

Does anyone on here know what the above object was used for. It's stumping everyone on another forum I use.

 

Better picture http://oi65.tinypic.com/14mt8co.jpg

 

What's the other forum melv?

[carosio]

Is it possible this is an old fashioned fire safety device that was fitted to a door? It would either lock it or open it during a fire, it might be missing a glass cover if so. This glass cover could also be smashed to release the lock. Could be I'm wrong but many years ago I seen something with a similar design on a really old fire escape.

 

The curled pipe, if it is a pipe, could have carried a gas or is an early type of sensor like the ones on fail-safe gas appliances.

 

It's partly obscured in the pic but the hidden end of the 'pipe' is I think is in contact with the 'L' lever, which would operate the plunger/latch. The spring would be the return spring for the L lever. Without examining it I can't tell whether the latch moves in/out or back/forwards, or both.

 

So, there might be some merit in thinking its some kind of 'fire', or heat operated lock.

[DerbyTup]

Is it possible this is an old fashioned fire safety device that was fitted to a door? It would either lock it or open it during a fire, it might be missing a glass cover if so. This glass cover could also be smashed to release the lock. Could be Im wrong but many years ago I seen something with a similar design on a really old fire escape.

 

I think that's a pretty good guess.

 

I observe some sort of latch and lever device, with a window that is partially open. I note it is a heavy duty piece too - and it seems to have an electrical supply, or possibly a gas supply to it, to operate it. It reminds me a bit of the manual device fitted to an old Yorkshire range oven - which was a way of controlling the oven temperature - by opening a sliding latch in the door. This is way too big for that though. But it could be a similar principle, maybe something for controlling heat, or air-flow, to a much larger oven, or furnace. Or, as you suggest, a device for opening a door. The size and heavy construction of it suggests something like that.

[dannomaster]

And why is so misterious?

[retep]

Part of a sewing machine?

[melv]

General consensus on the other site is its a part that fits onto another machine, possibly in the wool or cotton industry. Pictures have been sent to several museums and we're waiting for them to reply.