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

Food For Thought  

According to Wikipedia ...

"Occam's Razor" ... a term that was first introduced in the 14th century by English logician, William Ockhan, is the principle that can best be stated as ; "When you have two or more competing theories, the simpler one is the better, and usually the right one!"

In other words;  The item in question is likely something very simple, and the more we try and complicate it's identification, the farther away from the truth we get.  For example ... it's probably something as simple as part of an old kid's toy typewriter, as opposed to something related to rocket science.

So with that said, I rest my case and bid all of you ado and good luck.

But as the "Terminator" said ... "I'll be back!"  (maybe)

P.S. ( I told you I'd be back! )  I wish to acknowledge the individual who posted just before me. We must have been typing at precisely the same time, with you entering just a split second ahead of me.  Anyway, I think you may be onto something ... keep "digging!"

And last but not least, I truly believe the final identification will be "MANUAL COUNTING" related.

Thanks to all, and again ... GOOD LUCK!

  

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=

This AlaSKAN thingy does look like a 15 tooth sprocket. I thought of a sprocket idea a long time ago but gave up. You may be onto something. Do the numbers 1- 15 have any significance in sewing?

I'm sure already suggested  The piece has a decoder kind of look  A cardboard/paper insert would have been needed 

I'm sure already suggested   The piece has a decoder kind of look   A cardboard/paper insert would have been needed  

Might be a new idea.    I like your idea because it fits the cheapness of this item but I dont know where the back attachment pieces would fit in on a decoder toy.

Which attachment? The cardboard/paper?

Which attachment? The cardboard/paper?

I thought it was accepted that these are attachment tabs. The question is why would there be attachment tabs on the back of a toy decoder? It looks as if it was made to hang on a wire fence.

I thought it was accepted that these are attachment tabs.

Attachment tabs? Wouldn't the missing piece hinder that idea?

Maybe. You mean where it appears to be broken on top?

Some thoughts:  It sure looks like an old refrigerator control and I realize it looks like a capillary tube holder but the capillary tubes usually attach on right on the coil to sense the cold. Also no shaft for the control. But at this point I dunno. Because of the cheapness of this thing, Im leaning toward a counter with no conection to anything else other than the hanger tabs.

I may be wrong, but I have never seen any numbers on a refrigerator go up to 15. But something is bugging me about this, I feel sure I have seen this on something familiar. Sewing machine No's go much higher

Its possible to have numbers 1-15 or a 1-15 temperature or pressure (SWR pic) differential adjustment on a commercial unit but I dont understand the connection or pressing of the bottom (or top) of the rivet to anything.

This is only a test !

I hope no one will object.  I am new to TreasureNet and attempting to see if by replying to this thread it will move it back to the top of the page. I hope I'm not being selfish in wanting to keep it easily accessible, (especially for newbee's like myself). I am onto something that may shed a whole new light on the subject!

My apologies if this offends anyone. Please send me a PM if you have any objections.

Thanks.

SODABOTTLEBOB

hey good luck sodabottlebob. anything from the 'shed' is a good thing!!!!   

here is an email i sent to a refrigeration/appliance vintage sort of a company. here's the email and the reply. i am out of pocket for a while and hope the specific name the guy answers to can be a lead for some one with reseach skills and time.

mike

 From:  John Jowers <john@antiqueappliances.com>   [Add to Address Book]
To: 'Mike Williams' <intimer@earthlink.net>
Subject: RE: question item identification
Date: Nov 3, 2009 4:37 PM

Resembles the cold control dial used by Frigidaire on their early model
refrigerator, 1926-28

Thanks for the Inquiry!
John M. Jowers
AntiqueAppliances.com

U.S. Postal Mailing address:
     P.O. Box 389
     Clayton, Georgia 30525   USA

Shipping address (UPS, Fed-X, DHL or freight delivery):
     30 West Savannah St.
     Clayton, Georgia   30525   USA

Phone numbers:
706-782-3132
706-782-7326  Fax


-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Williams [mailto:intimer@earthlink.net]
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 11:02 AM
To: john@antiqueappliances.com
Subject: question item identification

i would like to ask if you have ever seen this device, see attachment, that
looks like an adjustment dial for an old refrigerator. we are trying to
identify the item and would like to ask you.

i saw your website on the internet and thought it would not hurt to ask
because of your companies obvious knowledge of the field.

if you are not the one to ask in the company would you please pass the email
on to another.

we look forward to your response.

regards

mike williams

Ok, I know that we all hoped that this one was dead and gone, but it still bothers me.
the 15 could be the last of 15/16" of an inch and the little tab above 15 would tumble the next gear to 1" or multiples of the whole inch....so I say measuring device/gauge used in manufacturing.

Noooo! Just when I thought it was erased from my brain. 

Noooo! Just when I thought it was erased from my brain. 

Are you Crazy? It will never be...

I continue to reiterate my offer of a bottle of Fine New Zealand Wine to the Winner.
Rules determined by the Masses.
For example, another one.
While I'm here, I wish everyone a brilliant start to the New Year and an even Better Finish 
Mike et al

I'm still sticking to my earlier ideas: #1 Manual dial for an old refrigerator withOUT the connecting post (post broken or not installed yet); or #2 Manual Pool/Billiard's Counter.  Breezie

I am post 100! Woo Hoo!

o

Noooo! Just when I thought it was erased from my brain. 

Are you Crazy? It will never be...

I continue to reiterate my offer of a bottle of Fine New Zealand Wine to the Winner.
Rules determined by the Masses.
For example, another one.
While I'm here, I wish everyone a brilliant start to the New Year and an even Better Finish 
Mike et al

   Back atcha! Just a heads up for when I crack this baby..I prefer red! 

Maybe it's the inside of some type of combination lock?

Maybe a book marker that keeps track of pages?

Hey SkyPirate -

                            Did you notice that your post was #950 ?

Good Luck ... all 949 others of us will be waiting patiently for this one to get solved!

                                      I gave up weeks ago!

Respectfully,

SODABOTTLEBOB

While building the alaska pipeline, you'd need a pipe threader, and a thing to count threads, it fits in a guide and you roll that down the threads and the teeth fit the threads and you stop the threader when you get to the right count.
thats todays guess. 

it wouldnt have anything to do with film or cutting film would it? any camera or motion picture buffs out there/>?
I think Im going to post a picture at work.

Carolina Gold -

Welcome to Tnet!

If you come up with a photo of that "thread counting critter," then UB the man of this thread!

                                            Here's mine!

          (Well, actually it's not mine. But I paid my two cents worth for it!)

SDBB

Well, I was a young mechanical (maniacal) engineer just out of college, and had just moved to Alaska. I needed to raise some much needed cash;
so I designed this device and explained to the people of Alaska that this would become a necessity in the very near future.  Well, they bought quite an
amount of these gadgets; enough so I could import some nice refrigerators to sell to the Eskimos.  At least the Eskimos had a use for what I sold to them! Ha ha ha
so, I don't know what it is either!!  I just thought this might put an end to the sleepless nights!

Soda Bottle mentioned applying Ockham's razor.  I agree.  I know this has been suggested before, but:

While buying chicken wire for a sifter yesterday, Lowe's had me in the outdoor section (brr!)

I look to my left and see these thingers:
http://www.lifeandlawns.com/wp-cont...ploads/2008/04/spreader-setting.jpg

It is a dial which goes to fifteen.  ALL of the broadcast spreaders I have seen have dials that go to fifteen.  It is a product that has been and will be made for a long time, so I'm sure there are many different versions out there, this is just from a lesser known model.

That's my guess, I'm sticking to it.

   When one is making Wine or Champagne....don't the filled and sealed bottles have to be turned or rotated. (I don't know how many times but maybe its 15?)
  This is an inexpensive register to keep track of how many times the home brewer has turned his stock......yep.
Thats my wag today.

TiredIron

maybe thats how many birthdays a kintuckyin has to go through before gettin' married (no disrespect to my kentucky friends)

             I was just passing by and heard someone mention my name ...

                                                   

           And every time I hear my name mentioned my ear hairs tingle!

                           In fact ... that's my guess for today!

                                  "It's an ear hair counter!"

                                               SDBB

                                                  

                                 "Run, Forrest ... run!"

Soda Bottle mentioned applying Ockham's razor.  I agree.  I know this has been suggested before, but:

While buying chicken wire for a sifter yesterday, Lowe's had me in the outdoor section (brr!)

I look to my left and see these thingers:
http://www.lifeandlawns.com/wp-cont...ploads/2008/04/spreader-setting.jpg

It is a dial which goes to fifteen.  ALL of the broadcast spreaders I have seen have dials that go to fifteen.  It is a product that has been and will be made for a long time, so I'm sure there are many different versions out there, this is just from a lesser known model.

That's my guess, I'm sticking to it.

And it would connect how?

It is a highschool volleyball score counter that the referees used to use years ago before scoreboards to keep track of each teams score, one ref keeps one teams score and the other ref keeps the other teams, high school plays to 15 unlike the pro's. The cover is missing however and they were usually attaached to the refs side usually on a belt or the top of a glove, kind of like the counters baseball umpires use to keep track of pitches

I just heard about this interesting application for smartphones that is due out in the next year or so.  It searches pictures on the internet and gives back the best matches....because we don't know what the hell this thing is called, it makes iternet searching troublesome.  Once one of you has this app, you know what to do with this God aweful thing.  If I can find a link that has the app, I'll post it.  A friend of mine saw it on MSNBC and didn't know what the app was called or where I could find a link to it.

posible this thing in Aleska was hang on fence to say naibours! dont worry I will be back in 1or15 days 

posible this thing in Aleska was hang on fence to say naibours! dont worry I will be back in 1or15 days 

Don't stay away longer than 1-15 days 

I just heard about this interesting application for smartphones that is due out in the next year or so.  It searches pictures on the internet and gives back the best matches....because we don't know what the hell this thing is called, it makes iternet searching troublesome.  Once one of you has this app, you know what to do with this God aweful thing.  If I can find a link that has the app, I'll post it.  A friend of mine saw it on MSNBC and didn't know what the app was called or where I could find a link to it.

Good thinking, Skrimpy.

One reason why we don't know what it called...is because it is broken off of a larger piece. I am sure the piece, in a whole, has a name. That's why it is so hard IDing broken pieces of junk   

Something is missing    Two holes on left hooked on to small pins and likewise right side attached to a larger object 

I'm now thinking scale for weight of sorts rather than decoder  

Is a spring missing?

The biggest thing that is missing is an identification!!!

Most people seem to recognize it, or think they have seen one before, but we just cannot pin the sucker down!!

B


60870 reads - no identification!!

It's a angle set indicator for setting saw teeth,
After hand filing the teeth to sharpen them you have to set the teeth, that is move them out of the line of the rest of the blade so the teeth will bite.
The rest of the plier type tool clamped on the blade with a C clamp type attachment.

It's a angle set indicator for setting saw teeth,
After hand filing the teeth to sharpen them you have to set the teeth, that is move them out of the line of the rest of the blade so the teeth will bite.
The rest of the plier type tool clamped on the blade with a C clamp type attachment.

Any pics?

I found this one

13?IMSfp=TL0912130110001r32820" target="_blank">http://cgi.ebay.com.au/7%22-SAW-BLA...span>13?IMSfp=TL0912130110001r32820

Mike

Holy Crap! This whatzit is STILL on here? That's gotta be some kind of record!

It's a angle set indicator for setting saw teeth,
After hand filing the teeth to sharpen them you have to set the teeth, that is move them out of the line of the rest of the blade so the teeth will bite.
The rest of the plier type tool clamped on the blade with a C clamp type attachment.

Ive revised my original post. You need to explain how this works and if any parts are missing.
Im familiar with the pliers and the clamp but not the indicator. Please post back (or tell us you were just guessing).
 http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/htmlpubs/htm02232324/index.htm

I just realized that I have the saw tooth tool in the bottom right hand corner and never knew what it was. Cant find anything like this Alaskan version.

  Not to intrude BC but wonder about the date of the catalogue.  The Morrill
saw set pictured is identical to one I found at a NM ghost town.

I've changed my guess to:  Mechanical Tally/Counter for a game such as Golf, Billiards, or 'like' Whist. 
Here are some websites with similar ones:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7628315.pdf
http://www.sportingcollectibles.com/gambling.html

Breezie

 Not to intrude BC but wonder about the date of the catalogue.  The Morrill
saw set pictured is identical to one I found at a NM ghost town.

Sorry I dont know the date. Found pic online in images.
 I was searching for a saw set indicator but cannot find any that looks like this.
My Dad used these on hand saws as a carpenter in the 50's until electric tools took over.

Breezie ~

I was intrigued by your post regarding the word "Whist," and until I looked it up on Wikipedia, I thought it was a misspelling of the word Wrist. Here's the link to what I found.

                             http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whist

SODABOB

I've changed my guess to:  Mechanical Tally/Counter for a game such as Golf, Billiards, or 'like' Whist.  
Here are some websites with similar ones:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7628315.pdf
http://www.sportingcollectibles.com/gambling.html

Breezie

Thanks Bob.
While I agree that it appears to be a counter, there is nothing to hold the wheel on a specific number.
We were told it would spin freely if not for the stop. This is a tough one.

Im waiting for Arid-Zone's explanation.
He didnt sound like he was guessing but Im not holding my breath either.
I sent an e-mail.

Breezie ~

I'm still intrigued by the "Whist" thing, and I hope you don't mind my kidding you that it opened up a whole new "Pandora's Box" for me. Check out the photo below that I found on eBay. It's a 1875 postcard of a group of people playing Whist. I don't think I even want to know what the reference to "Psycho" is all about. 

           But I wholeheartedly agree with you that it's some kind of "counter."
                             
SBB 

And ...

                        ... I especially like the board game idea.

       The more I look at it, the more the item looks "toy-like" in appearence.

        The only problem is, there are about a jillion different board games.

                                                   

         Here's a (copy and pasted) quote pertaining to the game of cribbage.

              "Points are scored for combinations of cards totalling fifteen."

SBB

And ...

                        ... I especially like the board game idea.

       The more I look at it, the more the item looks "toy-like" in appearence.

        The only problem is, there are about a jillion different board games.

                                              

SBB

Being found in wilderness Alaska, I like the saw tool or camera ideas better than game piece,
 but Arid-Zone-A-Seeker has yet to respond with an explanation.

Thoughts:

1- The piece is aluminum and I think aluminum was very expensive when it was first processed,
    but by 1914 it was no longer considered a precious metal. So its post TOC.

2- The numbers do not look like a very old font.

I got a reply from Arid and he was just guessing like everyone else.
In his own words "just food for thought."  So back to square one.


Ive been looking at pigeon clocks but they all seem to go to 12.

First let me apologize if this has been mentioned, as I didn't have time to read through all the posts here at work, but I did not see this mentioned.

I don't know what it is, but it looks like the two longer "tabs" are also for mounting, and I don't think they were bent/folded over as previously mentioned, but inserted into or under corresponding holes in a mounting board/wall.  

I also don't think the tab at the side where the device is turned is broken, it just looks like it's been hit or worn down.  I believe the two small triangular tabs along with the larger rectangular tab are also for mounting; the rectangular tab for more support once it's been pushed all the way into whatever it mounted to.  

I quickly (and crudely) edited a picture someone else posted above (hope you don't mind) to try and illustrate what I'm getting at.  The black areas would be a wall or mounting board/plate.



Again, I haven't got a clue as to what it may be used for, other then counting something by hand, but this is my idea as to how it was/is mounted and what the tabs are for.  My apologies again if this was mentioned already and decided upon as incorrect.

elemerica ~

                       Let me be the first to say welcome to TreasureNet!

        You may have noticed that this thread originated in November of 2006!

                 Your post is #985, with a current total of 61,415 views!

Your information is not necessarily new, but is as good as any posted in my opinion, and I for one agree with you that the "item" was mounted to "something."  But to what? And for what purpose?

SODABOTTLEBOB

P.S.  I'm sure we are all wondering about the elongated page. It seems to have started with page number 6, (of 10 pages) and is most likely related to a posted image. Any suggestions on how to fix it? Or is it just page specific, and will eventually correct itself with scrutinized posting of certain "images?"

Thanks.

SBB

P.S.  I'm sure we are all wondering about the elongated page. It seems to have started with page number 6, (of 10 pages) and is most likely related to a posted image. Any suggestions on how to fix it? Or is it just page specific, and will eventually correct itself with scrutinized posting of certain "images?"

Thanks.

SBB

Its caused by someone posting an elongated link usually of the search cache type with highlighted key words.
For instance this page was elomgated unknowingly on post #928, a long patent url.

The new page will correct itself and be normal until someone posts an elongated link again.
Note that page 6 is elongated but page 7 is normal.

The only way I know to fix it would be to ask the posters of these elongated links to shorten them.
They can take half of the long link and put it underneath on the next line.
I tried it, it works. Also Breezie has a link for shortening these long urls.

Heres the link that caused the problem on this page. http://www.google.com/patents/about...s=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=


If I post it on 2 lines it still works like this.
http://www.google.com/patents/about...EBAJ&dq=knitting+machine&as
_drrb_ap=q&as_minm_ap=0&as_miny_ap=&as_maxm_ap=0&as_maxy_ap=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=

Now try explaining that to every member lol.

Thanks BigCy ~

I don't know what's more irritating ... the elongated pages, or most of my replies?

SBB

elemerica ~
                       Let me be the first to say welcome to TreasureNet!
        You may have noticed that this thread originated in November of 2006!
                 Your post is #985, with a current total of 61,415 views!

Your information is not necessarily new, but is as good as any posted in my opinion, and I for one agree with you that the "item" was mounted to "something."  But to what? And for what purpose?

SODABOTTLEBOB

P.S.  I'm sure we are all wondering about the elongated page. It seems to have started with page number 6, (of 10 pages) and is most likely related to a posted image. Any suggestions on how to fix it? Or is it just page specific, and will eventually correct itself with scrutinized posting of certain "images?"

Thanks.

SBB

Thanks for the welcome, and yes I am aware that this is a 3+ year old thread with lots of replies and LOTS of views, but it looks like the original question still remains as to what the heck this is and what it was used for.  I'll do a little more pondering on this, but I'm pretty stumped as to what it's original purpose was...

As for the extra-wide page, an easy way to remedy that is have the forum administrator add a function to the forum to truncate links longer than x characters.  For instance, a link with 100 characters could automatically be put between the url tags and the text truncated by 75% or something similar.  I've never personally dealt with SMF forums, so I'm not sure how exactly it's set up.  The same can be done for images larger then a given resolution, they can be resized into something more like a thumbnail by the forum.

Ok, Perhaps everyone is assuming too much here. Everyone is thinking that the triangle notch is a "pointer". What if it's simply a way to keep that wheel rotating evenly, and as a stop to the wheel going all the way around? I'm a Locksmith, and that wheel reminds me of the inner workings of a safe lock. The raised notch (at 15) would catch the next wheel laying flat on top of it, to turn it as well. So, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say we only have a "partial" device here, which is why it's so hard to id. I do realize of course that by supplying this alternate theory, I've probably just prolonged this thread at least another year! LOL what do you think? 

Ok, Perhaps everyone is assuming too much here. Everyone is thinking that the triangle notch is a "pointer". What if it's simply a way to keep that wheel rotating evenly, and as a stop to the wheel going all the way around? I'm a Locksmith, and that wheel reminds me of the inner workings of a safe lock. The raised notch (at 15) would catch the next wheel laying flat on top of it, to turn it as well. So, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say we only have a "partial" device here, which is why it's so hard to id. I do realize of course that by supplying this alternate theory, I've probably just prolonged this thread at least another year! LOL what do you think? 

I like that suggestion yellow1053 Do you have a pic of a similar safe lock workings?

Ok, Perhaps everyone is assuming too much here. Everyone is thinking that the triangle notch is a "pointer". What if it's simply a way to keep that wheel rotating evenly, and as a stop to the wheel going all the way around? I'm a Locksmith, and that wheel reminds me of the inner workings of a safe lock. The raised notch (at 15) would catch the next wheel laying flat on top of it, to turn it as well. So, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say we only have a "partial" device here, which is why it's so hard to id. I do realize of course that by supplying this alternate theory, I've probably just prolonged this thread at least another year! LOL what do you think?  

Are safe lock wheels made of alumimum and are they numbered 1-15?

NOTICE............. After careful consideration regarding the interest and willingness of Bigcypresshunter to help identify the "Thang" and not take anything less than a positive Id as fact, I have decided, (with Big Cy's approval) to loan the "Thang" to Big Cy in hopes that he will more aptly be able to critique the speculation and have a better idea of it's real purpose and function by having an eyes and hands on look for himself. Big Cy you are also welcome to post any additional pictures of it, and to personally show it to any interested parties or experts at your discretion. Sincerely, Goodyguy~

Thank you 
To all forum members for your continued interest and valued ideas on the identity of this most intriguing object.

GG~

Thank You Goodyguy. Looking forward to seeing and examining it in person.

 
Cy, Cy, he's our man
If he can't do it, throw it in the can!

I like that suggestion yellow1053 Do you have a pic of a similar safe lock workings?
[/quote]

I think I can find something similar. I'll post as soon as I can.
And, yes, some of the very cheap safe lock mechanisms can be aluminum and up to 15. (a lot of overseas knockoffs were like that.)

Missed it by that much BB 

Missed it by that much BB  

If a post gets deleted, you will be pushed back too and I will be #1000!  

     I better get this one in case 2 get deleted then 

REPLY # 1000!!!!  

LOL

I know this is a long thread and we lose members but are we losing them this fast lol? (I didnt delete anything)

     I just wish someone would find one of these things and put an end to it. It appears to be made fairly simplely so you would think that there were several of them at one time. I could really care less what # my post is lol, I just get bored late at night.

HH Charlie

I dont care about reply 1000   either LOL  

Well yesterday I had the pleasure of receiving the "Alaskan Thang" in the mail from Goodyguy and I will have to admit, Im a bit impressed. This is indeed an interesting little item.

I say little because the first thing I noticed was how small it is. Its apparently hard to judge size from a picture online. I thought it was larger. Its too bad we cant post real size. This thang is only about 2-1/2 inches square.

Ill need some time to study it and see if I am able to provide any new clues. One thing, I am sure, is that this is the way it would be facing and the arrow points to the number, in this case number 2. (bottom pic) For this reason alone, we could rule out cold control. Its also just too small amoung other things. I also believe this starts on zero and is meant to move only one increment at a time.

Excuse the pics its getting dark outside.

All ~

                      I did a test on sizing a while back and came up with ...

"Typically" (of the numerous test I ran ) if you set your zoom option accordingly, it will show the item in question at actual size. For Example: Go to page # 1 of this thread where there is a 25-cent piece (quarter) shown for scale. At the 60% setting you should be able to hold a quarter against your desktop screen for an exact match.

              There may be exceptions to this, but I have not found one "yet."

This "Custom" zoom setting is pretty cool. You may have to change it around a bit, but it always works for me when there is a coin used for scale. Try it! You'll like it! (I hope).

SODABOB

All ~

                      I did a test on sizing a while back and came up with ...

"Typically" (of the numerous test I ran ) if you set your zoom option accordingly, it will show the item in question at actual size. For Example: Go to page # 1 of this thread where there is a 25-cent piece (quarter) shown for scale. At the 60% setting you should be able to hold a quarter against your desktop screen for an exact match.

              There may be exceptions to this, but I have not found one "yet."

This "Custom" zoom setting is pretty cool. You may have to change it around a bit, but it always works for me when there is a coin used for scale. Try it! You'll like it! (I hope).

SODABOB

Where do we find the "custom zoom setting"?

BigCy ~

At the extreme lower right corner of your screen you will see the standard 100%. Directly next to it is a down arrow. Click this. Then click "Custom" at bottom and a box will pop up for your preferences. Click/scroll or type in to select preferred size. It's easy and fun. But don't forget to return it back to 100% when you're done. You'll know what I mean the first time you forget and leave it at 400%. Good luck.

SBB

BigCy ~

At extreme lower right corner of your screen you will see the standard 100%. Directly next to it is a down arrow. Click this. Then click "Custom" at bottom and a box will pop up for your preferences. Click/scroll to select prefered size. It's easy and fun. But don't forget to return it back to 100% when you're done. You'll know what I mean the first time you forget and leave it at 400%. Good luck.

SBB

You know I never noticed that. Thanks Bob.

I had to go 55% for the reality size. Thats a cool quick zoom feature also.

BigCy ~

You're welcome. I'm glad I could help. I guess different desktops create different effects. The 55% "reality" size you mentioned may be 60% for others as it is for me. But irregardless, once you get the hang of it, it should be smooth sailing.

And while we're on the subject, this might be a good time to mention that when a coin is being used to assist in the scale of something, make sure the coin is laying (full round) flat so as to more easily compare it with a real one.

Thanks.

SBB  

Looks like a top of an old phone, the dialing ring in one like this.

Looks like a top of an old phone, the dialing ring in one like this.

Nope sorry too small. Also the numbers go to 15.

There are a few things I see that havent been mentioned and when I get a chance Ill take some pics.

looking forward to it 

I can't recall if something like this has been proposed already -

An old post office box dial door

I believe this is a surveyors counter for field work. The tool is made light weight and can be bent to attach to a belt. The process is this, as moving from point to point a count is made. Sometimes it is ones stride and other times it could be a measure of chains in that they drug a chain and counted chains to record distance. The fact it is aluminum wouldn't effect the compass.
This is a counter for surveyors.

Wow this thing is still going!!!! But its way cool tho! Hopefully someday someone will solve it!!!

I believe this is a surveyors counter for field work. The tool is made light weight and can be bent to attach to a belt. The process is this, as moving from point to point a count is made. Sometimes it is ones stride and other times it could be a measure of chains in that they drug a chain and counted chains to record distance. The fact it is aluminum wouldn't effect the compass.
This is a counter for surveyors.

I like the idea. It fits on a belt. It would match with where it was found. I googled "surveyors counter" but couldnt find anything. A pic would be cool. This is one of the better ideas. Where is CWHunter?

I was going to comment on the dial. Its very loose and will not stay on a number but upon closer examination, I see that something is missing underneath the rivet that could have made the dial much tighter. I see a round mark in the metal around the backside rivet. I am also posting some side views.

Don't believe anything is missing underneath.  That is a rivet...and over time and wear & tear, it will get loose.  It IS a interesting puzzle to say the least.

Don't believe anything is missing underneath.  That is a rivet...and over time and wear & tear, it will get loose.  It IS a interesting puzzle to say the least.

Yes the rivet has become loose over time.  It may be hard for you to see in the pic but I am studying it in person under magnification and something like a round washer has left a mark. I tried to point to it with the red arrow. Its mostly above the rivet, a curved scoring scratch or depression left in the metal from something turning. .

Something definitely left a mark. I guess its possible to have occured during the manufacturing process but at this point we cannot dismiss any clue. What do you think could have caused the mark?

Looking under magnification it also appears that the bent tab as SWR and others have mentioned has indeed either been broken or was cut with tin snips IMO. Ill try to take a magnified pic later.

Thoose are the two things I wanted to mention that may not be obvious from a picture..

1- the round scoring under/around the rivet. (pic 1)
2- the cut tab. (pic 2)

It makes it harder to ID with possible parts missing.

I've been Googling everything I can think of related to surveying equipment and accessories, but unfortuniately have not found anything yet that resembles your item.  But I did find this interesting site that shows some pretty good photos of a variety of surveying stuff. Plus the guy said he does identifications but not appraisals.

Go to the Directory first, and then from there scroll down to "Survrying Instrument and Equipment Catagories," which is highlighted in blue. Each catagory has it's own seperate collection of photos.  The one I show below is from the site, and is a 1800s chain similar to the one you posted earlier. Those brass do-dads attached to the chain are called "tallies," and are used for keeping track of distances. I hope this helps, and if nothing else, maybe shoot the guy a photo and see what he has to say. If it is in fact survey related, I'm sure he would know.

SODABOB

                                   http://www.antiquesurveying.com

Yes heres the pic of the chain. You are good at writing e-mails Bob. It would be great if you could do it.

For anyone willing to try, it looks like he is willing to help with an ID as long as it isnt being sold on eBay. He will not open attachments so it may be best to link to this thread.     http://www.antiquesurveying.com/my_mailing_and_shipping_address.htm

                                          Note of interest ...

          I just sent the antique surveyor guy an e-mail inquiry with photos.

                          I'll post his response if/when I receive one.

                                              SODABOB

                                         Note of interest ...

          I just sent the antique surveyor guy an e-mail inquiry with photos.

                          I'll post his response if/when I receive one.

                                              SODABOB

Great. . Maybe I should have asked sapphire miner if he was just guessing, but it sounds good to me.

I believe this is a surveyors counter for field work. The tool is made light weight and can be bent to attach to a belt. The process is this, as moving from point to point a count is made. Sometimes it is ones stride and other times it could be a measure of chains in that they drug a chain and counted chains to record distance. The fact it is aluminum wouldn't effect the compass.
This is a counter for surveyors.

I just cant get past the thought that it spins freely (until it hits the stop)and wont stay on the number. Even if the rivet was tighter, it would seem unreliable. Im thinking some parts are missing that would keep the wheel on the proper count number.   Whatever it counts Im convinced it counts one increment at a time..

BCH.....the mark your describing looks like a stress crack.

This is getting good!

BCH.....the mark your describing looks like a stress crack.

I studied up on stress cracks in aluminum alloys and I looked again under magnification and I would have to conclude that it is not a stress crack. I am thinking now that the circular mark was made during the manufacturing process but I am just guessing. Maybe if the rivet was tighter, it could be a reliable counter.

Good Morning ~

                  Here's the reply I received from the surveying expert ...

 I haven't researched it yet, but I did notice he used the words, "may be/may have."

   (Nor do I fully understand his meaning regarding the "chains pulled 16," etc.)

               P.S. But I'd rather not bug him again for an explaination.

                                                  

                                                   SBB

                                                  ~ * ~

          Bob

          I have not seen anything like it before. It may be an "out keeper"
          to keep track of the number of chains pulled 16, each chain = 66 feet.
          80 chains to the mile. It may have attached to a compass as it is
          non-magnetic and obviously went with something.

          RP

Thanks Bob. Unfortunately it looks like another dead end. This item only has 14 numbers IMO. The pointer never reaches the number 15, certainly not 16. I agree with him that it went to something and part of it is missing.

Sapphire miner tell us if you were just guessing. Should we pursue this any further?

I first got excited about the belt idea but I will have to conclude that what we have does not properly fit on a standard pants belt. The tabs underneath do not even look as if they were ever bent. Now maybe a much wider belt. Its also possible that a belt clip has broken off.

If it were to go on a belt, the finger advancement positioned on top would be OK but the numbers would be read sideways.

             Here's a link that briefly explains what an "out keeper" is/does ...

The specific reference to the out keeper is in paragraph 8 (starting the count under the Bruce Taylor) and is the paragraph that starts with > The faces of most American compasses ...

SBB  

http://www.eppraisals.com/index.cfm...cate&act=form&item_id=63618

                      Here's another link regarding an "Out Keeper."

          The only problem is, it's a full manual with about a jillion pages!

I couldn't find the reference, but if someone among us is a speed reader, have at it!

                                                    

                                                   SBB

     http://www.archive.org/stream/cu319...004585588/cu31924004585588_djvu.txt

                       Here's the text that led me to the last link ...

    I post it here on a new page because I don't want to risk losing it again.

             Please notice the mention of ... "Underground Surveying."  

   (I found it on page 9 after Googling the exact words ... "Surveying Out Keeper")

                                                 ~ * ~

Full text of "A manual of underground surveying"
They repre- sent best surveying practice, and fulfill the purpose as an object
..... The instrument had an out-keeper for tallying the outs of the chain, ...
http://www.archive.org/stream/cu319...004585588/cu31924004585588_djvu.txt - 450k -