MYSTERY OBJECTS

[Tripps]

I can't get this out of my head. . .

Spike Milligan (1918-2002):
'Chopsticks are one of the reasons the Chinese never invented custard.'

[Cathy]

Is it a hand held massager?

[chinatyke]

Is it a hand held massager?

Cathy has got it.

The Chinese have all manner of these devices that they use to flail themselves. My wife uses this one and says it is healthy.

The Chinese also walk backwards down the street in the early morning for exercise.

[plaques]

What is it (dead easy) WHERE is it? Very difficult. Within 10 mile radius of Barlick

[Stanley]

Cat flap for an active animal.....

[LizG]

Looks like a prison door - not that I've seen any.

[Gloria]

A police cell??

[plaques]

Good on you Gloria, A prison cell where they threw in the town drunks. Now all you have to do is remember which one.
Stanley's recent police photo is real give away.

[Stanley]

Got to be Nelson nick then.......

[David Whipp]

I asked to have a look at the cells after last night's council meeting at Nelson Town Hall. I was told that there aren't any doors left on them...

[plaques]

David you can't trust anybody these days. Sorry Gloria for the Elephant trap.
This one's for Gloria that is if Stanley will hold back for a second.

[Stanley]

Nice pic but it isn't mine......

[Gloria]

Pass??????

[plaques]

Gloria was the Passssss you just letting off steam? Then you get 10 nectar points.
At one end is a Corliss valve.

[Gloria]

??? Maybe --- boom boom

[plaques]

Sorry no Boom Boom. you have to control yourself a little bit more.

[Stanley]

You've all seen it before. Think balls flying out as speed rises.

[Gloria]

You should know Stanley, you're the governor, not me.

[plaques]

You've both got it. This is a nice bit of mechanism that fits between the speed governor and the Corliss input valve. It acts to smooth out the rate of change reducing the "hunting" effect caused by speed variations.
This engine and many more can be seen at the Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester. A recommended day out for all ages.

[plaques]

What's this stone age looking lump of iron used for?

[Gloria]

Was it used for softening leather by pummelling it?? Best I could come up with.

[plaques]

I suppose being the shape that it is it could be used for for any "bashing" function.
Its generally used for something more static than that. Think "dints" and "dents"

[Stanley]

The mechanism is the Wilby Regulator used by Lumbs on their governors. A clever bit of kit.
Limps of iron, for shaping saucers from brass sheet or similar?

[David Whipp]

A panel beater's form?

[plaques]

You're both right but I think David has the more definitive answer. Currently used for getting the car back into shape after minor parking disasters.