MYSTERY OBJECTS

[Stanley]

It was hard, sorry about that. These small exceptionally fine abrasive stones were used in the warp preparation department when preparing warps for installation in the loom. This included fitting them with healds and reeds. The reeds were a very fine comb of steel wires and the stones were used for polishing the face of the reed to make sure there was nothing that would snag on the yarn.....
Next one for shaving?

[Stanley]

What is it?
(There's a clue in the skip and the weft box......)

[Stanley]

Waken up at the back there!

[Steeplejerk]

Is the whitening caused by Caustic

[Stanley]

On the wall it is whitewash, on the tank it is where the tin plate skin has oil on it. Now there's a clue!

[Stanley]

Too difficult. Remember my pic of loading sweeps from the old air raid shelter at Bancroft? These two cylindrical objects were the tanks for holding the stocks of Whale Oil and Raw Linseed Oil that were used for leather and wood respectively. Both deemed to be a fire risk and so kept in the shelter.
(What always puzzled me was that there were two tanks of the same oil in the warehouse...... )
Next object?

[Tizer]

Whale oil is now a Forgotten Corner (thankfully) unless you live in Norway or Japan!

[Stanley]

Yes Peter but there was no denying it was good stuff for dressing leather!



What is it?

[Big Kev]

Multi fit socket?

[Stanley]

Correct Kev.
Next one?

[Stanley]

What is it?

[Gloria]

The head of a pop riveter gun?

[Stanley]

No Gloria, too big for that! It's about two and a half inches in diameter.....

[PanBiker]

Fire extinguisher nozzle?

[Stanley]

No Ian but funnily enough sort of getting into the right country! It's purpose was to put out a fire.
(Not too sure how much that'll help you.....)

[Big Kev]

Sprinkler system nozzle?

[Stanley]

Very close Kev but think far higher temperatures. Look at the way it's built, sold bronze and over two inches in diameter. ( I just looked them up and if you could find one it would cost over £600....)

[Gloria]

Fuel injector nozzle for large industrial engine?

[Stanley]

I can see why you thought that Gloria. N, it has nothing to do with fuel injection. Big clue, think of steam boilers....

[Tizer]

A safety pressure relief valve?

[Stanley]

In a way Peter but that isn't it's main purpose. You are quite right, it is connected with boiler safety.

[Big Kev]

Is it the nozzle from a steam injector? For getting water into a boiler?

[Stanley]

Sorry no. You are all so close. Boiler safety device. Installed in firebox. What can it be?

[Big Kev]

Water nozzle to put the fire out if the boiler gets too hot?

[Stanley]

Close enough Kev. It's a fusible plug fitted internally in the crown of the firebox. It has a passage through the centre connecting the water space to the fire space which is plugged with low melting point alloy. If the water level falls in the boiler to the point where the plug overheats the seal melts and allows the passage of water and steam acting as both a warning to the firebeater and an extinguisher.
Next object?