MYSTERY OBJECTS

[Tizer]

While we're thinking up the next one have a look at this web site for some strange objects! LINK

[Stanley]

I had a look..... The mind boggles! Not for me thank you.

Try this while you are thinking.



All right, it's a large Morse Taper HSS twist drill but why has it got flutes on the taper?

[Gloria]

To allow coolant to run through to the tip??

[Stanley]

I doubt it Gloria. Drills equipped for that usually have a bore drilled through the centre.....

[chinatyke]

We've seen this before and I thought the conclusion was that you were not sure exactly what it is, or am I thinking of another of your treasures?

[Gloria]

Is it a broken drill with a re machined taper and tang?

[Stanley]

No evidence of damage Gloria and it's a perfectly serviceable drill.
China is dead right in that this object is a cheat really. I have been trying it out for years on people to see if anyone has seen anything like this before. Nobody I have tried has seen anything like it. All sorts of theories but as far as I am concerned this is the quintessential mystery object!
Next one?

[Gloria]

I think I could be right re the coolant, cheaper than putting holes through, but not just as good. I cannot see another reason for continuing the spiral into the taper.

[plaques]

In the past some drills over ½" diameter would have their flutes machined into the straight bar and then twisted to create the helical which was then finished by grinding. One can imagine that a long continuous bar machined like this would have an end to end flute like the one Stanley is showing.

[Stanley]

I've often wondered if it was an attempt to make the taper self-cleaning if the drill spun under pressure. I don't suppose I will ever know with certainty.....

[Tizer]

What's this mystery object and what was it used for?

[Steeplejerk]

Looks like Ebony,Fish knife or ceremonial dagger ??

[chinatyke]

I was going to suggest it could be made of jet and its purpose could be for opening envelopes.

[Stanley]

Masonic Ritual object?

[Tizer]

Good tries but all wrong!

[Stanley]

I cheated..... I don't think anyone is going to get that one Tiz.....

[Steeplejerk]

Sheath makers template ??

[Stanley]

Morning Tom! How are you?
Think again about the object or cheat like I did.......

[Tizer]

Wrong Tom! I can see why some of you suggested ceremonial dagger and letter opener but its purpose was not at all related to those. It's an example of Viking workmanship but has nothing to do with violence or ceremony and would have been used by women rather than men. I'll wait a little longer to see if anyone what it's for.

[Marilyn]

For opening Oysters?

[Cathy]

I'm with Marilyn, it's for shucking oysters (opening the shell and loosening the oyster).

[Tizer]

Sorry, wrong again - although I guess it could be used for that too!

[plaques]

My try. Viking = pagans, wood = good omen. Women use it = cutting umbilical cords. Tea shirt size X.

[Cathy]

Just noticed the measurement.
Was it used for skinning dead animals ?

[Stanley]

Can't resist giving a clue Tiz because it's one you might not know about. The modern equivalent is called a sword.....