Test your skills on this one! Spent years trying to ID this.

hey, that last picture has "NO ONE"!      

and the alaska whatchamacallit dial thingamajiggie has  "NO BODY"!     

coincidence?

 I've been gone a year or so, can't believe this thing is still a wonderment.   Everybody, print a picture of this thing and ask the oldest people/relatives you know what it is.  I still think it's a fence counter or a shipping date counter. I have no problem being wrong. I'm pretty sure no one wants me sitting up in my casket and shouting, " Oh, that's what the Hell it is!!!"
   OK, let's work on it.... jim

I am loading my gun.

a ribbon or belt advance,kind of like for a typewriter ribbon.A large gear with a pin on the side ,set "the device" for correct speed or time ,when it hits 15 it advances. Like a timer on a sardine convayor belt or a counter for twists on a loom before changeing colors. Do the numbers show in the window on the back side and do they say the number thats at the front outside edge.

I am really starting to hate this do-hickey.  It has been driving me crazy every since I got on T-Net

OK, It's been another year!!!!!  HOLY CRAP!!!!!!
not everybody has lost interest!!!
Has this SOB been solved?
WOULD THE 'ADMINS' please tag and end this with the answer when one is proven?
Almost seems like a "PonyExpress" concept, something thought up as a complicated solution to a simple problem that was obsolete as soon as it started.  Aluminum was too expensive before a certain (?) period for this to be very early.  The stamping method and detail are refined enough to suggest early to mid 20th century.
 I still wonder if it isn't a ship date counter or an altimeter recorder for early weather balloons, or a fence counter?
 Seems like the kind of thing that might have been replaced by an assembly line /spool counter or a paper tag method.
   All you people,,, ask your parents and grandparents!!!!
 I'm still in the 'manual' machine gun belt tracer counter loader mode (WWII) ours or theirs.
Yet still.....
  That it hasn't been "set" might indicate the 'setter' was too busy, to worry about being accurate, probably not RR live freight.
   The area might suggest something from the Japanese balloon bombs, in english to prevent identity of the source, yet to be identified after the invasion.
Either way, it's an unset recorder for one-time use or a process counter to be set and reused for constant count.
  That it is still unidentified leads me to believe it is foreign or a method of solution that was almost immediatlely obsolete.
Do da' word obsessive mean anything?
  Attached to a board, a MG belt could be rolled over to the stop (bent tang) and a tracer inserted, under the KISS principle, the same could be accomplished by a board with nails to space the 'gap' between tracers. Inexperienced MG'ers use every third tracer, then 10, and every 30th for charted fire from concealed positions. All of which belts could have been gauged on a board with nails as spacers or by eye instead of contraption.
  The tangs still look as if some kind of 'cage timer or counter', maybe thought to be an improvement on a written calendar that never caught on or became immediately obsolete.
  As is obvious, I have no problem with ignorance over time.  The 'Knowing' is the goal.     james

OK, It's been another year!!!!!  HOLY CRAP!!!!!!
not everybody has lost interest!!!
Has this SOB been solved?
WOULD THE 'ADMINS' please tag and end this with the answer when one is proven?
Almost seems like a "PonyExpress" concept, something thought up as a complicated solution to a simple problem that was obsolete as soon as it started.  Aluminum was too expensive before a certain (?) period for this to be very early.  The stamping method and detail are refined enough to suggest early to mid 20th century.
 I still wonder if it isn't a ship date counter or an altimeter recorder for early weather balloons, or a fence counter?
 Seems like the kind of thing that might have been replaced by an assembly line /spool counter or a paper tag method.
   All you people,,, ask your parents and grandparents!!!!
 I'm still in the 'manual' machine gun belt tracer counter loader mode (WWII) ours or theirs.
Yet still.....
  That it hasn't been "set" might indicate the 'setter' was too busy, to worry about being accurate, probably not RR live freight.
   The area might suggest something from the Japanese balloon bombs, in english to prevent identity of the source, yet to be identified after the invasion.
Either way, it's an unset recorder for one-time use or a process counter to be set and reused for constant count.
  That it is still unidentified leads me to believe it is foreign or a method of solution that was almost immediatlely obsolete.
Do da' word obsessive mean anything?
  Attached to a board, a MG belt could be rolled over to the stop (bent tang) and a tracer inserted, under the KISS principle, the same could be accomplished by a board with nails to space the 'gap' between tracers. Inexperienced MG'ers use every third tracer, then 10, and every 30th for charted fire from concealed positions. All of which belts could have been gauged on a board with nails as spacers or by eye instead of contraption.
  The tangs still look as if some kind of 'cage timer or counter', maybe thought to be an improvement on a written calendar that never caught on or became immediately obsolete.
  As is obvious, I have no problem with ignorance over time.  The 'Knowing' is the goal.     james

So It hasn't lost it's power yet; another victim of THE COUNTER

Update,

 I haven't given up I still carry it every where I go and ask everyone I meet to take a look and see if they have any idea what it could be. 

But still no luck on an ID. 

Goodyguy~

I thinks it's a Tnet thread page counter.

Yep, that's what it is, a T-Net page counter.  After 15 pages, it self destructs ....NGE

Why not start manufacturing these things?
Then if you just say they're "ON SALE!!", women will buy them.
For the guys, just say it's a 30 pack beer counter, be sure to emphasize that it 's to prevent running out of beer, not count how many you've had. 
Now that's marketing!

Maybe since there are so many new members this will finally be Identified.

Not that I know what it is, but here is me 2 cents worth....
I haven't read all the posts on this item so this may have
already been suggested
It could an old golf stroke counter....
I carry a new version of it on my golf bag 
Thanks and good luck
HH Ray

It counts how many posts are on this thread by the hundreds.  Please set it between 8 and 9.
 Thanks

Not that I know what it is, but here is me 2 cents worth....
I haven't read all the posts on this item so this may have
already been suggested
It could an old golf stroke counter....
I carry a new version of it on my golf bag  
Thanks and good luck
HH Ray

You know what Ray?  I do not think that has ever been guessed. Thanks for the try  

Here is some background info:

It was found in 1996 on an old homestead (circa 1950's) in a treed area by the river, in Soldotna, Alaska.  It was about 2 inches deep.

It is all aluminum, weighs .4 oz, and measures 2 5/8 square.
It is not very durable for full time use.
Numbers are 1-15, with 15 at the stop.
It spins freely, with no detents between numbers.
No markings other than the numbers.
The back has two folded-over tabs, mounting maybe?
The teeth are the same thickness.
The only wear spot is where the tips of the teeth have worn slightly into the base.

GG~

I would just like to know is anyone has read this whole string ? It's a bit much don't you think? I have an idea! how about we all read it one more time? 

The counter is how many years it will be popping up on t net.

I sent pics of this mental illness causing object to a website about a hundred years ago, it seems like it anyway, lol... I finally found that website again and asked him if he had figured out what it is.  Here's the response I got back...

Someone sent these same photos to me a few years ago, I posted them on
my site but no one knew what it was.  Looks like a pretty good mystery
item.

Rob

Better luck next time, I hope...

DANGLANGLEY

I had (and still have since 1963) a toy safe called a Mosler Junior. It looks like a real safe and has a combination spinner lock. There are 3 inside wheels that look very similar to this thing. As you turned to each number in the combination, (L-R-L) a little armature would turn against that little tab sticking up and as you got each of the numbers in the combination it would line up the things that look like star points on this thing. When all three numbers were correct the door would open.
So that's my guess.
Daddio

Still wondering what this thing is.     

Maybe some of the new folks will know.




GG~

WOW! I was just thinking about this thing a few minutes ago & I saw you posted on it again under replies to post section! Spooky!

Maybe when attached to whatever, the numbers represent tension?

     Ever since this thing first showed up I have always thought it was attached to a rain guage to keep track of how much rain fell after you empty it. Didn't the OP sell this thing on ebay a while back?

it is a jorgensen butthimer manual melt down giger counter clicky thing device

The tabs on the back and bottom, and the two holes on the top might tell something. It looks like it might possibly have been designed to hang on wire mesh or a cage, where the top would hook on the wire and the bottom two tabs would go under the wire and hold it flat. It seems too unstable and easily turned accidently the way it is now. Maybe it originally had cardboard mounted between the wheel and the back which might have given it a little more friction and held the wheel in place (and which would have been held securely by those two top holes?

I think it was a counter too; either a child's game counter , in which case it would have been jazzed up with some cardboard, or else a counter having to do with livestock or poultry. In both cases 15 was the magic number, as it can never be set in that position. (you either won when you hit 15, gestation time was over after two weeks, etc.)

     Ever since this thing first showed up I have always thought it was attached to a rain guage to keep track of how much rain fell after you empty it. Didn't the OP sell this thing on ebay a while back?

He sold it .........And I was the crazy person who bought it. 
I thought if I had it in person I could figure out what it was.


GG~

The tabs on the back and bottom, and the two holes on the top might tell something. It looks like it might possibly have been designed to hang on wire mesh or a cage, where the top would hook on the wire and the bottom two tabs would go under the wire and hold it flat. It seems too unstable and easily turned accidently the way it is now. Maybe it originally had cardboard mounted between the wheel and the back which might have given it a little more friction and held the wheel in place (and which would have been held securely by those two top holes?

I think it was a counter too; either a child's game counter , in which case it would have been jazzed up with some cardboard, or else a counter having to do with livestock or poultry. In both cases 15 was the magic number, as it can never be set in that position. (you either won when you hit 15, gestation time was over after two weeks, etc.)

You would think from the look of it, that it had been produced in sufficient quantity that another one would have surfaced over the years, or at least someone who could positively identify it. 


GG~

OK , here's what we Should do .

On the Homepage to TreasureNet , this "counter thingy" can have its own WANTED POSTER with REWARD  at bottom  . Put it up by the Banner finds . Members would donate $2   $5     $6   to a reward fund .

 In order to win - there Must be a Positive ID . 

There could be alot of New Members signing up to help ID it !

OK , here's what we Should do .

On the Homepage to TreasureNet , this "counter thingy" can have its own WANTED POSTER with REWARD  at bottom  . Put it up by the Banner finds . Members would donate $2   $5     $6   to a reward fund .

 In order to win - there Must be a Positive ID .  

There could be alot of New Members signing up to help ID it !

Good Idea!  

Get Marc to go along and I would personally buy the person who could give it a positive ID a 1 year Charter Membership or equivalent cash.  

GG~

OK , here's what we Should do .

On the Homepage to TreasureNet , this "counter thingy" can have its own WANTED POSTER with REWARD  at bottom  . Put it up by the Banner finds . Members would donate $2   $5     $6   to a reward fund .

 In order to win - there Must be a Positive ID . 

There could be alot of New Members signing up to help ID it !

This thing has nine pages of replies. Why put it beside the banner. It should be on the banner. 

Aren't there 15 balls in billiards?

Perhaps an antique billiard scorekeeper?

once it gets to 15 it stops and you gotta start over.

[ ERROR: SPECIFIED ATTACHMENT MISSING ]
Aren't there 15 balls in billiards?

Perhaps an antique billiard scorekeeper?

I believe that was mentioned , back on page .....6

No absolute evidence was ever given .

That's a nice picture of billiard balls  though !

I've offered 9 or 10 ideas, How 'bout if it's put in Eastern/Western Treasure to get wider yet exposure.
New guys, it sucks, but please wade through the whole post, just about everything but an ovulation counter for a sterile WWII cyborg has been suggested.
 

 i know what it is...picture counter for old camera. i just haven't found a match, but i bet it all......YEs and the points are to advance the film. pay up well except goodyguy already said that.....

I wonder if this homesite is out in the wilderness or is it part of a community? Judging by the location and proximity to the river,could this be part of a prospectors tool? Sloop? The dial part of a scale that was used to weigh nuggetts by the gram? I think more research is needed about the home,area,age, who lived there and what they did for a living?Are they still alive,hell track him down and ask him.

A device to cause headaches.... :BangHead:s to keep the drug stores open 24 hours

Is this not the most famous unsolved "What is It" of all time on T-Net? I can't beleive you bought it? I have seen it so much I recognose it 
This will be the biggest green check of all one day.
TnMtns

there's a post on the first page where the item is shown upright. as johnnyi mentioned in his post...could have been attached to a wire on the back loops and i believe set across a flat piece along the bottom where the two slots on one side and the increments on the other.
so now it's steady mounted.
why not a long stiff wire with curly twists at 90 degree to the stiff wire set on top of the square post thngs by the number 15.
this stiff wire could be attached to an activator on a wheel that pun one direction to 15 than release and eased back to 0.
the whole devise behind a  something so only the arrow is shown in a window. the stiff wire would be across the thingy device and never appear in the window.
the rotating actuator would show the reading through the window.

this was my first time at using 'paint'. i sure it's absolutely wacky but i had fun messing around. i suppose everyone says  "yeah, but what is this thing counting?" but anyway, heck 9 pages and ... this is what you get.

there's a post on the first page where the item is shown upright. as johnnyi mentioned in his post...could have been attached to a wire on the back loops and i believe set across a flat piece along the bottom where the two slots on one side and the increments on the other.
so now it's steady mounted.
why not a long stiff wire with curly twists at 90 degree to the stiff wire set on top of the square post thngs by the number 15.
this stiff wire could be attached to an activator on a wheel that pun one direction to 15 than release and eased back to 0.
the whole devise behind a  something so only the arrow is shown in a window. the stiff wire would be across the thingy device and never appear in the window.
the rotating actuator would show the reading through the window.

this was my first time at using 'paint'. i sure it's absolutely wacky but i had fun messing around. i suppose everyone says  "yeah, but what is this thing counting?" but anyway, heck 9 pages and ... this is what you get.

You lost me at the stiff wire part.

wow i almost forgot about this thing

I started to think that maybe its part of a clock the reason why i thought this is because  of the stop. If i had to guess this time around i would say it belongs to a clock with a 15 day event time strike mechanism.
i would of agreed with one of the posters earlier who called it a sprinkler timer but i could not even locate anything for a sprinkler timer.

It just makes more sense to me that it would be a 15 day strike mechanism



Mav

the stiff wire is the orange in the weird picture slop! it is attached to the part bent up at the #15 and the actuator device on right. the stiff wire could have a curly spring type attachment point at 90 degrees connecting the stiff wire to the square piece bent up at the #15. so it would carry or move the 'thingy' thing around.

there was a post that mentioned temperature indicator. so i thought maybe the actuator or motor that rotates the stiff wire would be set in motion by a heat or cold sensitive situation. i don't know the lingo. hope this all doesn't sound too stupid, redundant, boring or simple minded.

the stiff wire is the orange in the weird picture slop! it is attached to the part bent up at the #15 and the actuator device on right. the stiff wire could have a curly spring type attachment point at 90 degrees connecting the stiff wire to the square piece bent up at the #15. so it would carry or move the 'thingy' thing around.

there was a post that mentioned temperature indicator. so i thought maybe the actuator or motor that rotates the stiff wire would be set in motion by a heat or cold sensitive situation. i don't know the lingo. hope this all doesn't sound too stupid, redundant, boring or simple minded.

I dont see how a stiff wire could attach to the part bent up at the #15. There are no signs of attachment to a wire. Thats the number one problem here. The hanger tabs could attach but the dial has no point of attachment.

The tab at #15 could possibly engage something, now that I think about it.   I thought it was a stop.

It has been a long time since I have visited here. My guess on this item is a measuring device. I would set the wheel back and mark it on paper and then push it till it stops make another mark and measure it. Does it equal 15 inches? If so could have been mounted on a handle and used to measure the lengh of something quickly and accurately. An example would be if you had a  regulation on a fish that had to be greater than 15" to harvest. That is my guess. Good luck on your hunt to find out what this is.

OK , here's what we Should do .

On the Homepage to TreasureNet , this "counter thingy" can have its own WANTED POSTER with REWARD  at bottom  . Put it up by the Banner finds . Members would donate $2   $5     $6   to a reward fund .
 In order to win - there Must be a Positive ID . 
There could be alot of New Members signing up to help ID it !

This thing has nine pages of replies. Why put it beside the banner. It should be on the banner. 

I agree!

I VOTE BANNER!

I think it could be banner if its Ided.

I dont see how a stiff wire could attach to the part bent up at the #15. There are no signs of attachment to a wire. Thats the number one problem here. The hanger tabs could attach but the dial has no point of attachment.

The tab at #15 could possibly engage something, now that I think about it.   I thought it was a stop.

i was thinking a spring attachment to that turned up piece at fifteen. (a tightly turn coil of thin wire similar to a sring))

I dont see how a stiff wire could attach to the part bent up at the #15. There are no signs of attachment to a wire. Thats the number one problem here. The hanger tabs could attach but the dial has no point of attachment.

The tab at #15 could possibly engage something, now that I think about it.   I thought it was a stop.

i was thinking a spring attachment to that turned up piece at fifteen. (a tightly turn coil of thin wire similar to a sring))

but how would it attach?

i know i've seen (in my time) a spring 'expanded then slipped over a flat bent up piece' like piece at #15. i remember because it was very difficult to get off. (pull on the spring it tightens).

then the other end of spring would fit in a slot on a flat rod or attach the same way. thus making a 90 degree connection point for flat or round rod to move the 'thingy' around in a circular path. if the 'dial' movement was controlled by a temperature coil spring that would expand and contract with temp. changes....or some other reason for the 'thingy' to rotate.

hope this explains my thinking on this.
and hope it might generate more than ("what is he talking about?)     

Is this not the most famous unsolved "What is It" of all time on T-Net? I can't beleive you bought it? I have seen it so much I recognose it  
This will be the biggest green check of all one day.
TnMtns

Thanks TnMountains,

I thought sure I could have ID'ed it by now. I carry it around in a little velvet lined box and show it to everyone I come in contact with, and still no positive ID, or anyone who knows what it is, or what it goes to, or has ever seen one like it.  

GG~

The pointer actually never reaches 15. After 14, there is a stop tab and the game is over.  But the problem is there are no indents to keep the dial on the selected number. If its a counter, it wouldnt stay on the numbers on its own. If its a dial, there is no way to attach it to electronics. Its an enigma.

I've read every post from the beginning, I've paid my dues.
I've lost sleep, and gone to sleep thinking about this thing.
We all want it ID'ed. The quality control counter is as good
as any,  for the time being, But.......we all know deep down
inside in that dark little corner that holds our usless information
folder....... we all want to know..............WHAT IT REALLY IS.


Hay2

I am still going with 15 day clock movement part

this is a picture of an 8 day not exactly the same but very close






Mav

The pointer actually never reaches 15. After 14, there is a stop tab and the game is over.  But the problem is there are no indents to keep the dial on the selected number. If its a counter, it wouldnt stay on the numbers on its own. If its a dial, there is no way to attach it to electronics. Its an enigma.

Thanks BigCy for verifying what I have said in several other posts on this object.

Mike

I continue to endorse, my offer of a bottle of fine New Zealand wine, to whomsoever shall solve the mystery.  
Proof, accepted by consensus required.  

Mike

 

 

I am still going with 15 day clock movement part

this is a picture of an 8 day not exactly the same but very close

Mav

I like the way you think, but there is no way anything can attach to the points of the wheel as in your picture.

GG~

Hey Mavrick03

I think you're on to something.  How about a close-up photo of the star wheel on that clock. (Does it have numbers on it?)

Thanks

I am still going with 15 day clock movement part

this is a picture of an 8 day not exactly the same but very close

Mav

I like the way you think, but there is no way anything can attach to the points of the wheel as in your picture.

GG~

I like the idea. Look closely. It appears that the lever pushes the points of the star wheel to the next day number. The wheel doesnt attach to anything. I would like the idea better if it were brass but it could be...  Lets see some more pics.

[Two things come to mind: #1 Speed adjustment/control dial for an Antique Phonograph and #2 Cold/temperature adjustment for a vintage refrigerator. Breezie]

Two things come to mind: #1 Speed adjustment/control dial for an Antique Phonograph and #2 Cold/temperature adjustment for a vintage refrigerator. Breezie

As rtde suggested something pushes here I think. It may not be a finger. It could be the clock movement day lever. But I dont know how it resets after 15 days because it has a stop?

Dear Musclecar

  Have you ever taken the item to a clock maker/shop/museum ?

If not, it might be worthwhile.  If they can say definitively "yea" or "nay" one way or the other, it would put to rest the clock part controversy.  And don't settle for some dummy behind the counter who says, "I dunno, my boss is out to lunch."    Find someone who really knows what they're talking about!

Just a suggestion.  And if you have already done this, please give us an update.

Thanks much,  

Bob

I am thinking old 15 exposure camera counter. I looked for a while but could not confirm.

OK I know what it is! It’s a thing found way back in 2006 that no one can identify. Its been sold on Ebay to someone that had no idea what it was, but bought it anyway.
Another 3 years of my live having dreams about this thing has taken its toll on me, so I say BANNER on the most annoying what is it to date. And if they put it on the banner maybe some alien will see it and say what it really is.

Just today I forwarded this link to a world renound "ANTIQUE CAMERA EXPERT," and if anyone can make a connection between it and a camera, he will ... providing, of course, that he responds and doesn't think its below his level of integrity, and that he doesn't think we're all nuts !  

If he should contact me personally with a confirmation, I will pass the info along with my request for that bottle of wine.  

Been there, done that.

Daryl

is there any spring loaded mechanism to reset the count
hits 15 then resets to 1 ?

i believe if my idea of how it attaches to a rod flat or round or jointed then the measuring device would go either direction . that's why measure of temp. makes sense.

the bent up part at 15 cn be made to move around and back and forth with 1 to 15.

why not a temperature setting device for old ice boxes or very early refrigerators? in this case a finger would set the number by moving the points.

mike

I'm still leaning toward the camera exposure counting idea - but, as yet, do not have any definitive proof to support my claim.  However, I have made some observations that may be of interest. ( I have not read every one of the 894 comments already posted - and apologize if the following topics have already been discussed).

1.   Take a close look at the backside photo, and you will notice the two pressed in features that look like two minature golf clubs. These were clearly intended to keep the back of the device away from a flat surface so as to allow the center pivot to spin freely. I suspect the flat surface was metal and not wood. Many of the older, antique type cameras had tin or metal housings.

2.   The reason I believe the flat surface was metal is evident by the two mounting prongs at the top that are typical of a design that would have gone through holes and then bent down to secure it in place. Additionally, the two extension flanges at the bottom likely fit into a couple of slots to secure the bottom portion in place.

4.   Incidentally, aluminum was invented in 1886.

3.   I can see no evidence whatsoever that indicates the device was connected to any other moving part such as a rod or additional wheels, etc. Which leads me to believe it was independent from whatever it was attached to, and that it's sole purpose was for keeping track of something - say, like the number of exposures on an older type of camera.



5.  Many of you have probably already done this, but try reducing the zoom level to 50% for a more accurate idea of it's actual size. 60% would be better yet, but most computers jump from 50% to 75%.

Lastly, I admit there are a couple of flaws in my "Counting Device" theory.

A.   Most cameras and the accompanying film came in exposures of 12 - 24 - 36.
B.   If it was intended for keeping track of something as important as the exposures, you would think it would click and lock in place, as opposed to being so easily bumped/moved out of sinc.

I'm not sure how much my observations will help, but maybe they will trigger further ideas in this never-ending quest for life - liberty, and the pursuit of ... what the heck is that darn thing, anyway?      

i believe if my idea of how it attaches to a rod flat or round or jointed then the measuring device would go either direction . that's why measure of temp. makes sense.

the bent up part at 15 cn be made to move around and back and forth with 1 to 15.

why not a temperature setting device for old ice boxes or very early refrigerators? in this case a finger would set the number by moving the points.

mike

Sorry I still dont understand your theory. There is no way a wire or spring or rod could attach to the stop at #15 IMO and properly turn.  It would have to attach in the center rivet and it appears that nothing is broken off.

It sure looks like an old propane refrigerator control, but again the electronics would have to connect at the center rivet. Just like the control knob on your metal detector needs to connect to the center shaft of the potentiometer.

I'm still leaning toward the camera exposure counting idea - but, as yet, do not have any definitive proof to support my claim.  However, I have made some observations that may be of interest. ( I have not read every one of the 894 comments already posted - and apologize if the following topics have already been discussed).

1.   Take a close look at the backside photo, and you will notice the two pressed in features that look like two minature golf clubs. These were clearly intended to keep the back of the device away from a flat surface so as to allow the center pivot to spin freely. I suspect the flat surface was metal and not wood. Many of the older, antique type cameras had tin or metal housings.

2.   The reason I believe the flat surface was metal is evident by the two mounting prongs at the top that are typical of a design that would have gone through holes and then bent down to secure it in place. Additionally, the two extension flanges at the bottom likely fit into a couple of slots to secure the bottom portion in place.

4.   Incidentally, aluminum was invented in 1886.

3.   I can see no evidence whatsoever that indicates the device was connected to any other moving part such as a rod or additional wheels, etc. Which leads me to believe it was independent from whatever it was attached to, and that it's sole purpose was for keeping track of something - say, like the number of exposures on an older type of camera.



5.  Many of you have probably already done this, but try reducing the zoom level to 50% for a more accurate idea of it's actual size. 60% would be better yet, but most computers jump from 50% to 75%.

Lastly, I admit there are a couple of flaws in my "Counting Device" theory.

A.   Most cameras and the accompanying film came in exposures of 12 - 24 - 36.
B.   If it was intended for keeping track of something as important as the exposures, you would think it would click and lock in place, as opposed to being so easily bumped/moved out of sinc.

I'm not sure how much my observations will help, but maybe they will trigger further ideas in this never-ending quest for life - liberty, and the pursuit of ... what the heck is that darn thing, anyway?      

The camera idea is the best yet IMO as a 12 exposure always has a few more pics. The problem here is that a member actually opened up a roll of old film and tried to match the advance holes in the film with the sprocket and sadly it did not match up. Check out reply #657. This may need a second look because I think it was a great idea. Maybe the film can advance without holes because the older film didnt have any I think..

i believe if my idea of how it attaches to a rod flat or round or jointed then the measuring device would go either direction . that's why measure of temp. makes sense.

the bent up part at 15 cn be made to move around and back and forth with 1 to 15.

why not a temperature setting device for old ice boxes or very early refrigerators? in this case a finger would set the number by moving the points.

mike

Sorry I still dont understand your theory. There is no way a wire or spring or rod could attach to the stop at #15 IMO and properly turn.  It would have to attach in the center rivet and it appears that nothing is broken off.

It sure looks like an old propane refrigerator control, but again the electronics would have to connect at the center rivet. Just like the control knob on your metal detector needs to connect to the center shaft of the potentiometer.

But a bimetal temperature coil sensor may attach!
This type of sensor would require no indentations on the numbers because the bimetal coil holds it in place and it moves back and forth with the temperature change. I think you are onto something maybe. But why a number 1-15 refering to temperature ?   -1 to -15 degrees icebox?

ADDED: Problem is that tis type of bimetal coil would have to sit right on top. Parts to hold it in place may be missing.

[I"m still going with my orignal idea: Cold/temperature adjustment for a vintage refrigerator. It seems like I remember ours looking like that back in the early1950's when I was a young child. Breezie]

I"m still going with my orignal idea:  Cold/temperature adjustment for a vintage refrigerator. It seems like I remember ours looking like that back in the early1950's when I was a young child. Breezie

[I"m still going with my orignal idea: Cold/temperature adjustment for a vintage refrigerator. It seems like I remember ours looking like that back in the early1950's when I was a young child. Breezie]

I"m still going with my orignal idea:  Cold/temperature adjustment for a vintage refrigerator. It seems like I remember ours looking like that back in the early1950's when I was a young child. Breezie

Yes it sure does resemble the old Ammonia refrigerator controls Breeze (i used to repair them) but it has no way of connecting to a control or anything else for that matter. Imagine the dial on your metal detector. It needs to connect via a shaft to the control inside. There is NO shaft on this widget.

[Mmm, if there is no place to connect to anything, and no way to reset, then the counter has to be hand/manual. So what counts manually to 15 other than a Billiard game? (this thing is driving us all nuts; lol) Breezie]

Yes it sure does resemble the old Ammonia refrigerator controls Breeze (i used to repair them) but it has no way of connecting to a control or anything else for that matter. Imagine the dial on your metal detector. It needs to connect via a shaft to the control inside. There is NO shaft on this widget.
[/quote]

Mmm, if there is no place to connect to anything, and no way to reset, then the counter has to  be hand/manual.  So what counts manually to 15 other than a Billiard game? (this thing is driving us all nuts; lol) Breezie

GoodyGuy is there a small space under rivet head, as if something under it is missing?  ...such as a spring or bimetal coil?  It looks as if the rivet head is high in the pic. There is also a lot of scratches. I think a spring or bi-metal coil could have been attached to the rivet and pushed on the stop.

I fully realize I'm going out on a limb this time - but thought I would post the attached photo anyway.  It was sent to me by a antique camera collector, and out of respect for his interest in this topic, I wanted to share it with you. The photo is of what he called a "Drop Plate" camera from around the turn of the century. And if I understand correctly, the "Counter" (attached to the upper left corner of the camera) did not actually advance the plates, but was used only to keep track of how many of them had been exposed.  Apparently, lots of the old-old cameras had these counters in variation.

I realize the counter on the one in the photo is not exactly like the one in question, but it may be a clue to help promote additional research.  

P.S.  I will say one thing; Until now I never heard of a Drop Plate camera. So I guess its still true that you learn something new every day.

P.S. - P.S.   I'm just hang'n in there and shooting for the 1000th post.  Didn't someone say the 1000th post wins a prize?   

 

i believe if my idea of how it attaches to a rod flat or round or jointed then the measuring device would go either direction . that's why measure of temp. makes sense.

the bent up part at 15 cn be made to move around and back and forth with 1 to 15.

why not a temperature setting device for old ice boxes or very early refrigerators? in this case a finger would set the number by moving the points.

mike

Sorry I still dont understand your theory. There is no way a wire or spring or rod could attach to the stop at #15 IMO and properly turn.  It would have to attach in the center rivet and it appears that nothing is broken off.

It sure looks like an old propane refrigerator control, but again the electronics would have to connect at the center rivet. Just like the control knob on your metal detector needs to connect to the center shaft of the potentiometer.

[Im sorry intimer]

why not a long stiff wire with curly twists at 90 degree to the stiff wire set on top of the square post thngs by the number 15.this stiff wire could be attached to an activator on a wheel that pun one direction to 15 than release and eased back to 0.
the whole devise behind a  something so only the arrow is shown in a window. the stiff wire would be across the thingy device and never appear in the window.
the rotating actuator would show the reading through the window.

this was my first time at using 'paint'. i sure it's absolutely wacky but i had fun messing around. i suppose everyone says  "yeah, but what is this thing counting?" but anyway, heck 9 pages and ... this is what you get.

Im sorry intimer. I reread this several times and looked at your diagram but still dont understand.

What do you think it is? a temperature control? just asking. What is an activator? what is a rotating actuator?

What is a long stiff wire with curly twists? a spring?  

Maybe another diagram will help. Maybe Im a little slow.   Try to make the objects to scale with each other may also help me visualize.

it's ideas not science. consider it brainstorming, please don't be so critical...often.

the dictionary is a source for words not understood. but you're right they do sound a little 'made up'... ha ha! you didn't check the dictionary did you?

don't the words show motion---go on imagine 'actu-ator'... wow, i can just see that dial slowly rotating---then reversing? that's the magic of the pen and the power of the word!

as for the attachment point 'square  ('bent up' piece at  # fifteen) in round hole' (simply a spring). or maybe it's just bent up for balance or to scratch something...no! i think it has the purpose of being "THE" attachment point that enables the dial to be rotated either and in both directions.   

or, should i slam you and say there is no way for anything to connect "under the small space under the rivet". no, i will use your idea possibly to assist my mind in future thoughts. quit slamming me please and others!  (if you don't mind me saying so!). it is embarrassing for you to point out that my stupid ideas are stupid when they actually have some value somehow to somebody, maybe only one somebody but that somebody may get something from my stupid idea (or yours) that further motivates their thought process to provide this forum with another stupid idea that might just lead to an "id-------banner!!!!!

have you ever seen a soccer team bickering on the field at each other (on the same team)? come on...we are in this together. 

my thoughts and expressing them (without the fear of repercussion!) is just to show (my idea!) that there is a way to connect to the bent up piece. you have an unnatural way of 'hopping on' or 'harping on' a previous posts. 

(because i feel there is a way to connect to that bent up piece!) try this one... if a flat-thin-light-weight rod had a cup that swiveled near the end at a 90 degree. and the cup, though upside down sitting over the 'bent up' piece, was made to receive the flat bent piece. (in other words the 'bent up' piece has a hat, that swivels on a rod, at 90 degrees, that goes to the source of movement for the dial!) then the rod is moved in an arc necessary to rotate the dial......

i have no problem with you. please don't think i am being harsh toward you. i am just trying to defend my right to offer ideas in any forum without being bashed. please accept this reasoning as purely defensive and let's go on hopefully finding value in others views.             (i just know you are going to knit pick a word, or a sentence, or a paragraph from this post and slam me. please spare me and the rest of t net.      

I'm not saying I know what it is, but I am thoroughly convinced it was intended for "Manual Operation" ... meaning that it was mounted someplace for easy access, as opposed to being a hidden, interior part such as a cogwheel. Therefore, the numbers themselves had to be "optional" ... suggesting one of two things:

1.   A setting option. (However, I see no evidence where anything was ever connected or attached to it.)
2.   A counting, or keeping track of something option. (Personally, I favor this option. But the question still remains :  A device for counting WHAT ?

I am also convinced that the concave outer design of the wheel was intended for a finger tip, so as to spin and set it at will. (Maybe Orphan Annie's secret decoder ties in here somewhere.)

And with that said, the answer to the mystery ramains at our finger tips ... but only the hand of "The Chosen One" will likely ever figure it out!

And just for the record ... it probably won't be me!  

[Im sorry]

it's ideas not science. consider it brainstorming, please don't be so critical...often.

the dictionary is a source for words not understood. but you're right they do sound a little 'made up'... ha ha! you didn't check the dictionary did you?

don't the words show motion---go on imagine 'actu-ator'... wow, i can just see that dial slowly rotating---then reversing? that's the magic of the pen and the power of the word!

as for the attachment point 'square  ('bent up' piece at  # fifteen) in round hole' (simply a spring). or maybe it's just bent up for balance or to scratch something...no! i think it has the purpose of being "THE" attachment point that enables the dial to be rotated either and in both directions.  

or, should i slam you and say there is no way for anything to connect "under the small space under the rivet". no, i will use your idea possibly to assist my mind in future thoughts. quit slamming me please and others!  (if you don't mind me saying so!). it is embarrassing for you to point out that my stupid ideas are stupid when they actually have some value somehow to somebody, maybe only one somebody but that somebody may get something from my stupid idea (or yours) that further motivates their thought process to provide this forum with another stupid idea that might just lead to an "id-------banner!!!!!

have you ever seen a soccer team bickering on the field at each other (on the same team)? come on...we are in this together.  

my thoughts and expressing them (without the fear of repercussion!) is just to show (my idea!) that there is a way to connect to the bent up piece. you have an unnatural way of 'hopping on' or 'harping on' a previous posts.  

(because i feel there is a way to connect to that bent up piece!) try this one... if a flat-thin-light-weight rod had a cup that swiveled near the end at a 90 degree. and the cup, though upside down sitting over the 'bent up' piece, was made to receive the flat bent piece. (in other words the 'bent up' piece has a hat, that swivels on a rod, at 90 degrees, that goes to the source of movement for the dial!) then the rod is moved in an arc necessary to rotate the dial......

i have no problem with you. please don't think i am being harsh toward you. i am just trying to defend my right to offer ideas in any forum without being bashed. please accept this reasoning as purely defensive and let's go on hopefully finding value in others views.             (i just know you are going to knit pick a word, or a sentence, or a paragraph from this post and slam me. please spare me and the rest of t net.      

I cant believe you wrote all this. I am completely in shock. I highlighted Im sorry so you would realize I was being nice. I even said "I must be slow". "I" meaning 1st person in English (myself). I guess I forgot the smiley faces. .

I never implied you were stupid and Im a bit surprised you would think of yourself that way. I was NOT slamming you, and yes I DO mind you making rude accusations against me.  If you read back to reply #897, you will see that I said you may be onto something and you gave me an idea.    I was using your ideas to assist my mind in future thoughts, (like I often do) and requested a better explanation and/or diagram. If I thought your ideas were stupid, I would have completely ignored you. Instead I only asked you to please explain again because I am slow.

Its amazing how someone can get the complete opposite meaning online. Thats why we have smiley faces and maybe I didnt use enough of them. Maybe you have a complex. I dunno. Do I have to defend my right to ask questions? Should I be afraid to disagree that I might hurt someones feelings?

I always thought the bent up piece was a stop but I agree with you that it may hold the spring also. I would like to ask you more questions about this actuator motor that slowly turns one way and back another, and for what purpose, but I think its better that I just ignore your idea. Consider that maybe I am slow and leave it at that. Maybe you prefer it that way.

I am also convinced that the concave outer design of the wheel was intended for a finger tip, so as to spin and set it at will.

I would like to see a pic from Goody with the finger next to the item. All we have to visualize this theory is rtde's photoshop I posted in reply #886 and it may not be to scale.

[I think]

 Intimer,  I stand by my word that the photoshop diagram you drew would not work IMO. It would have to be much closer than you depicted in the photoshop to keep the orange rod from bending and the 2 dials need to be the same size. Thats why I asked you to make another diagram to scale. I know it was your first attempt but I think thats where you messed up.


Now I realize that you may have meant to put the two items much closer together and the same size, where it has a possibility of working. Also scrap the motor idea. Ill leave it at that. Maybe it will help others to understand. I cant be the only one confused with your photoshop LOL. Dont take it so personal if someone disagrees in the future..

I am also convinced that the concave outer design of the wheel was intended for a finger tip, so as to spin and set it at will.

I would like to see a pic from Goody with the finger next to the item. All we have to visualize this theory is rtde's photoshop I posted in reply #886 and it may not be to scale.

I will get that pic for you. However in the mean time the space between the teeth is a perfect fit for a finger to turn the wheel , and when the wheel is turned by using a finger to turn it till your finger stops at the end of the opening, then the next number is lined up perfectly with the pointer.

GG~

I am also convinced that the concave outer design of the wheel was intended for a finger tip, so as to spin and set it at will.

I would like to see a pic from Goody with the finger next to the item. All we have to visualize this theory is rtde's photoshop I posted in reply #886 and it may not be to scale.

I will get that pic for you. However in the mean time the space between the teeth is a perfect fit for a finger to turn the wheel , and when the wheel is turned by using a finger to turn it till your finger stops at the end of the opening, then the next number is lined up perfectly with the pointer.

GG~

OK thanks. I wasnt sure.

Do you remember what I said recently about learning something new every day?

Well, I just discovered that my zoom setting has a "custom" feature that allowed me to set it at 60% ... which just so happens to set the original photo (page one) to match the exact size of a quarter, (25 cent piece).

So in case it was ever in question, we now know it measures exactly 3" X 2 & 1/2"

Try it ... I think you might like it!  

I am also convinced that the concave outer design of the wheel was intended for a finger tip, so as to spin and set it at will.

I would like to see a pic from Goody with the finger next to the item. All we have to visualize this theory is rtde's photoshop I posted in reply #886 and it may not be to scale.

Going from 1 to 2


*note even the rivet is aluminum

GG~

Great pics. Is there any room underneath that rivet for a spring?

I see now that it will not spin because the next tab hits the top of the finger as a stop.

Im leaning more toward finger actuated counter.

Great pics. Is there any room underneath that rivet for a spring?

I see now that it will not spin because the next tab hits the top of the finger as a stop.

Im leaning more toward finger actuated counter.

The rivet only has about 1/16 of an inch of play, so doubtful
There are no indications or wear marks of any kind indicating such.




GG~

1.I cant believe you wrote all this. Shocked Roll Eyes I am completely in shock.

yes i understand you feel this way.

2.I highlighted Im sorry  so you would realize I was being nice. I even said "I must be slow". "I" meaning 1st person in English (myself). I guess I forgot the smiley faces. Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley Cool Cool.

yes i understand you say you feel this way.

3.I highlighted Im sorry  so you would realize I was being nice. I even said "I must be slow". "I" meaning 1st person in English (myself). I guess I forgot the smiley faces. Smiley Smiley Smiley Smiley Cool Cool.

yes i understand you think disclaimers are sufficient apologies.

4.I was NOT slamming you, and yes I DO mind you making rude accusations against me. 

yes i understand you are not with fault.

5.If you read back to reply #897, you will see that I said you may be onto something and you gave me an idea.  sign13  I was using your ideas to assist my mind in future thoughts, (like I often do) and requested a better explanation and/or diagram.

yes i know you think you've covered yourself.

6.If I thought your ideas were stupid, I would have completely ignored you. Instead I only asked you to please explain again because I am slow.

yes i understand you think this way.

7.Its amazing how someone can get the complete opposite meaning online. Thats why we have smiley faces and maybe I didnt use enough of them. Maybe you have a complex. I dunno. Do I have to defend my right to ask questions? Should I be afraid to disagree that I might hurt someones feelings?

yes i understand you are apologetic at the same time being harsh and crude.

8.I always thought the bent up piece was a stop but I agree with you that it may hold the spring also. I would like to ask you more questions about this actuator motor that slowly turns one way and back another, and for what purpose, but I think its better that I just ignore your idea. Consider that maybe I am slow and leave it at that. Maybe you prefer it that way.

yes this is your choice.

Folks, take your personal differences up through PM's.  Really cluttering the thread. 

after seeing the finger advancing pictures. i will have to give in.   my whole world is in chaos now.

i also noticed the 'bent up' piece is more likely to be a stop against the pointer than an attachment point. but not completely conclusive...  

please excuse my previous ramblings, but i really believed and i'm positive i have seen the sort of attachment i was trying to convey....repeatedly. i remember pulling it apart. the spring was thin wire and tightly coiled.

most of you were very nice in ignoring my ramblings. i did the same thing on a recent boat paddle post. my thinking it was a shovel went on until i was proved wrong.

so i am bailing ship and jumping on the finger advancement!  hooray, no more long ramblings....! i didn't go that far, i would love to find proof of my memories.

[I really have nothing to apologize for]

Intimer, when you make a post about a new idea, someone is going to ask questions, and you need to realize that someone may disagree with you. And of course your new ideas are always welcome. I said I was sorry I didnt understand your photoshop/idea, but I really have nothing to apologize for.  Maybe I need to modify my writing style. I think this is all an unfortunate misunderstanding that happens all the time in online forums.

but i really believed and i'm positive i have seen the sort of attachment i was trying to convey....repeatedly. i remember pulling it apart. the spring was thin wire and tightly coiled.

For what its worth, I have seen this type of attachment you speak of. The more you pull, the tighter it gets. I just didnt understand the photoshop and your description. With a few changes to your photoshop I described, I now understand your hypothesis. Its a new idea not yet mentioned that may lead to something later down the line.

The finger pictures sure are convincing. Im jumping on the finger advancement too. I just dont understand the play in the rivet. I think this sprocket will spin freely with nothing to keep it on the number, unless the rivet was at one time tighter.

Great pics. Is there any room underneath that rivet for a spring?

The rivet only has about 1/16 of an inch of play, so doubtful
There are no indications or wear marks of any kind indicating such.

GG~

It looked like some play under the TOP rivet. Refer to the reply#901 pic.

People still read this topic?

People still read this topic?

It keeps the mind active.   Mindfood.

Yup, what he said, and apparently it makes people curious too..... ........NGE

Great pics. Is there any room underneath that rivet for a spring?

The rivet only has about 1/16 of an inch of play, so doubtful
There are no indications or wear marks of any kind indicating such.

GG~

It looked like some play under the TOP rivet. Refer to the reply#901 pic.

Yes that overall play is 1/16 inch.  The rivet can be pushed either direction so the slack could be at the top, or the bottom, or evenly distributed. It is loose enough to easily slide back and forth from top to bottom.

GG~

Check out the "wheel" in figure 3 of this knitting machine . 2nd drawing .

http://www.google.com/patents/about...s=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=