MYSTERY OBJECTS

[PanBiker]

Tiz, if you look at the dates and times of the posts, your quoted one could only have been in relation to the previous object as it was posted before the latest was put up.

[Stanley]

Is it for installing what we used to call 'batchelor's buttons'; brass buttons that have a spike though the material and a retaining plate at the back?

[chinatyke]

No, sir, but it is made for a very specific use.

[Tizer]

Tiz, if you look at the dates and times of the posts, your quoted one could only have been in relation to the previous object as it was posted before the latest was put up.

I posted it in response to Stanley's reciprocating pump and there were no posts from anyone else at the time. Yet it now shows several other posting hours before me. That's why I think it's strange.

[PanBiker]

All the posts are in the correct date and time order. Only thing I can think of is that you were looking at a cached page rather than the current (at the time) live version on the site. The post editor always places the posts in the correct order, so even if you were looking at a cached version it would still insert your post at the correct point according to date and time that you hit submit. You can edit an existing post in a thread and it will retain the original place in the list but you cannot insert a new post other than at the end of the current thread.

[Stanley]

It was still a good answer.....
China, is the tool for making small foil cups?

[chinatyke]

No. The tool doesn't make or form anything.

[Stanley]

I'm baffled China......

[chinatyke]

Watch this space!

[Tizer]

If it doesn't make or form anything is it used to test the size and shape of something? If I'm wrong can you give us a clue?

[chinatyke]

If it doesn't make or form anything is it used to test the size and shape of something? If I'm wrong can you give us a clue?

No, not used for testing anything. There are different diameter brass discs and the internal edge is bevelled. My previous post is the clue!

[Wendyf]

I think I've got it thanks to your clue! Is it a press for closing the backs of watches?

[Gloria]

I'm with Wendy.

[chinatyke]

I think I've got it thanks to your clue! Is it a press for closing the backs of watches?

Exactly right. I had never seen one before, but my wife came home with this little set a while ago. She had seen me struggling to fit a battery in one of my watches. The street hawkers who fit new watch batteries use these presses but as they charge 20rmb (GBP2.20), and the department stores charge 50rmb, I fit my own. I can buy a high quality new watch with a spare battery for less than 50rmb.

[Stanley]

Fascinating and well done Wendy.... I still hadn't got there even with the clue.....

[Gloria]

I'd no idea either till I saw Wendy's, then it seemed logical.

[Stanley]

Beautifully made, very complicated system of levers to give mechanical advantage...... what are they?

[chinatyke]

I think I know but I'll keep quiet for a while. Definitely not for pressing the backs onto watch cases!

[Stanley]

That response interests me China. I'll tell you why later! Let's see if anyone else has any ideas.

[Gloria]

Is it for closing biff and tub rivets?

[Stanley]

I'm not going to let this hang on. The truth is that I don't know exactly what it was intended for and I suspect you are right Gloria but have never found a use for it. It has no maker's name, only 'Pat No 449.412 NZ10 stamped on it. I've tried Googling the patent number but no result. I got it a mixed bag from an old workshop It's very complicated, adjustable and well made. Perhaps one day I'll find a use for it!
Next one?

[chinatyke]

I thought it was for fixing those plastic markers that you see on the ears of cattle.

[Stanley]

No, it pre-dates that usage and those tools incorporate a hollow punch China.... This doesn't have that feature.

[Stanley]

Can anyone tell me what these are?

[chinatyke]

Yes! What a nice set!