MYSTERY OBJECTS

[chinatyke]

looks more like a midden to me.

[Stanley]

It's the small corner in Letcliffe park that is used for storing anything that won't go anywhere else. That lot looks like leaf litter from the road sweepers.

[David Whipp]

Leaf litter it is!

The area is used for composting grass cuttings and leaf litter nowadays, so China isn't far off.

As I said, not much of a mystery.

[Tizer]

As I said, not much of a mystery.

But has anyone looked to see what's buried under the leaf litter? (cue dramatic music).

Here's a new one to puzzle you (I hope!)...

[Gloria]

What an interesting looking thing, but I've no idea.

[David Whipp]

All leaf litter moved - unable to find owt buried underneath Tizer...

Heating element?

[PanBiker]

It has a screw tip which is interesting, can't think of a use though.

[Big Kev]

Looks a bit 'surgical' or even dental...

[Stanley]

I think I know what it is. If I am right this is a good clue: 'Tympanites of the paunch or rumen'.

[PanBiker]

I have not looked it up but from Stanleys hint, is it veterinary and for "venting" bloated cows?

[Tizer]

Not veterinary, but Kev's on the right track.

David, thanks for looking. My motto is `You never know what you might find'!

[Big Kev]

A tooth extraction tool.

[Gloria]

For lancing a boil?

[Big Kev]

For lancing a boil?

Ouch!

[Wendyf]

The more I try to think what it might for the the more alarmed I get!

[Stanley]

Is it what used to be called an 'umbrella' for treating venereal disease?

[Tizer]

No-one's got it yet. Kev's tooth extraction came nearest. I'll give you a clue - it was used mostly by military doctors.

[Big Kev]

Bullet extraction tool

[Tizer]

Well done, Kev. Was that an educated guess or have you been shot in the past? It's from the 1500s and is described thus: `Elongated bullet extractors could reach bullets embedded deeply in the patient’s body. Extractors like this one had a screw tip that could be inserted in the wound and lengthened to pierce the bullet so that it could be pulled out.'

[Big Kev]

Well done, Kev. Was that an educated guess or have you been shot in the past? It's from the 1500s and is described thus: `Elongated bullet extractors could reach bullets embedded deeply in the patient’s body. Extractors like this one had a screw tip that could be inserted in the wound and lengthened to pierce the bullet so that it could be pulled out.'

An educated guess

[Tizer]

Here's something similar. Its accompanying description is:
Arrow Remover (1500s) Not much is known about this tool, but it is hypothesized that it was inserted into the wound in a contracted position, with the central shaft used to grasp the arrow. The blades, which appear to have their sharp edges facing outward, were then expanded using the scissor-like handles, thus expanding the flesh around the arrow to prevent the arrowhead from ripping through the flesh as it was pulled out.

[Stanley]

Everyone should have one in their tool kit!

[Stanley]

What can you tell me about this label?

[Big Kev]

What can you tell me about this label?

Apart from being bilingual?

[Stanley]

Yes.....