MYSTERY OBJECTS

[Big Kev]

Is it Douglas?

[Tizer]

Acker Bilk?

[Wendyf]

I'm with Kev, it's Douglas.

[Stanley]

Dead right Kev, It's Douglas of the Lurpak adverts.....
Next for shaving?

[Stanley]

Does anyone remember this guy?

[Stanley]

This one isn't flying is it. Think Governor of Minnesota and wrestling!

[Stanley]

I shall have to knock this one on the head! It's Jesse Ventura who was governor of Minnesota when I was a frequent visitor. (LINK) Not a conventional politician, he celebrated his election by abseiling down the dome of the state legislature building in Twin Cities. Much criticised but he got many young people to vote and not all his actions were as bad as was was made out by his opponents. The doll was part of his election campaign in 1999.
Try this one.....

[Marilyn]

Old electric fuse wire?

[Stanley]

You got it the first time Maz!

So try this one, more wire.....

[Stanley]

Wake up at the back!

[Gloria]

Is it Bowden cable??

[Stanley]

No Gloria but you are sort of heading in the right direction. It's stranded and has a very specific use......

[plaques]

Sorry for nodding off at the back but we had this a couple of years ago It's the wire used in a wire saw. Mainly used by Matadores for cutting the horns off charging bulls. Typically used nowadays by plumbers on plastic piping. Link.. Also available is a carbide rod hacksaw blade for tiles, Very hand for cutting holes in aluminium PanBiker may use these. Link.

[Stanley]

Dead right P. This is de-horning wire for cattle. It was also used during a Friesian Operation for cutting a large dead calf in two in the womb.
Next for shaving?

[Stanley]

An easy one for you......

[Gloria]

It's for gauging the thickness of sheet metal??

[Marilyn]

I have a more modern version for measuring knitting needles....

Being metal, would it measure drill bits or something?

[Stanley]

You both have it in a way. It's a plate for sizing 'wire gauge' which is used for both wire and sheet metal thicknesses. Usually denoted by a number and then the initials SWG, Standard Wire Gauge. Try this one....

[Marilyn]

Shrek's pedicure set?

[Stanley]

I like it! You are closer than you think Maz. Think about what delicate cutters like this could be used on..... (And note the complicated shapes)

[Stanley]

We've stalled on this one so I shall come clean. They are cutting tools used in ornamental turning for putting ornate profiles into soft material, they were designed for cutting Ivory. They are very high carbon steel and would be no good for most metals. I have lots of them and often wonder how much they would cost these days!
try another one.....

[chinatyke]

Apothecarey's measures?

[Stanley]

That's close enough to qualify China. They are tiny kitchen measuring spoons. I bought them on a whim but have never used them.... I am an adherent of the 'chuck a bit in' school of cooking!
Next for shaving?

[Stanley]

Try this one.....

[Marilyn]

Salt?