OneGuyFromBarlick

They were graphic markers that were stuck on bales of cloth woven for export. You didn't need to be literate to identify them.
Next one?

What is it?

A ruler........

Correct Margaret, but what sort?

Is it for a draughtsman? Different scales?

You're on the right track Kev, different scales. But not a draughtsman, another trade.....

Trade? Would that be a pattern maker having to make allowances for the metal shrinkage?

Architect?

Sorry no. Would points help you?

This has stalled. I shall knock it on the head if there is no movement by midday.
You've had the clue!!!

It's a type setter's ruler. calibrated in points, i.e. size of font.
Next one?

What is it?

Blowlamp?

Curses! Yes, of course you are right. A 'Governor' Paraffin blow lamp. As good now as the day it was made.....
Next one?

Who is this? You've seen her before.....

Evgenia Petrovna Shelepina, Arthur Ransome's second wife. That was a pure memory test....
Next one?

Oh well done !

I'll see your "Evgenia Petrovna Shelepina" and raise you an "Ordzhonikidze"

This is a very esoteric corner of Mystery Objects.....
Evgenia used to be Leon Trotsky's secretary......

I almost wish you hadn't told me that. I know next to nothing about him (just Swallows and Amazons ) and absolutely nothing of her. Now of course I'll have to get up to speed. Let's hear it for "esoteric".

Try this Who are the players?
.

Lenin and Trotsky playing with Les Dawson kibbitzing.

Arthur Ransome..... First dig out the references on the site because there is evidence direct from Evgenia via John Robinson that I have never found anywhere else. Then read Racundra's First Cruise and Racundra's Third Cruise both edited by Hamnet I promise you will be fascinated.
Not mentioned in the books but Ransome was a foreign correspondent for the Guardian and rumour had it was also reporting to British Intelligence.....
Ken, I think David might be right about Lenin and Trotskybut not sure about Les Dawson!

Stanley wrote: ↑21 Feb 2023, 14:59 Arthur Ransome..... First dig out the references on the site

Indeed Arthur Ransome

Good stuff - can't think how I missed it first time round. I bought Slocum's book.

Puts this site a cut above Facebook I'd say. . . .

Definitely Les Dawson.

plaques wrote: ↑21 Feb 2023, 18:23 Definitely Les Dawson.

Yup