MYSTERY OBJECTS

[David Whipp]

Blood letting...

[Tizer]

A device for tapping into next door's gas pipe or oil tank?

[PanBiker]

It has a very sharp point possibly for driving deep into something. Once in situ, if the plunger is then withdrawn, it will allow liquid through to the tap. Is it for driving into a tree and tapping the sap?

[Tizer]

Good thought Ian, Maple syrup, anyone?

[Whyperion]

You'll probably make mincemeat of me if I string this along any further... here's some of the parts in their box though.

And here's the parts list - showing that the cutter pictured is the 'coarse' one...



Finally, here's the packaging with the maker's name and model number...

Is that O.K the same company that make escalators ( as found predominantly in department stores ? ) I think they are an American company

[Stanley]

Have a look at THIS for the origin and manufacturer of the mincer.
You're all getting the idea with the last object but nobody has got there yet. Medical is the right track. Clue, veterinary medicine as well.... Wendy should get this one.....

[chinatyke]

I've heard of sheep getting 'bloated' through eating some vegetation (was it clover?) and maybe this is used in emergencies for piercing the skin and relieving whatever gas builds up.

[Stanley]

You've got it China... It's a trocar and cannula used to pierce the paunch or rumen of a cow particularly if they get bloat on fresh grass. You measured where to push it in by a hands breadth to the side and one below the huggin or hip bone. Instant cure as green froth bubbled out in sometimes surprising quantities. Amazing what you learn as you pass through life....
Next one?

[David Whipp]

I can tell you what it's not...

[Stanley]

I think I know what it is. If I'm right it's not a million miles from Rainhall. I'll stand back and let the others have a crack.

[Tizer]

The cast iron plug used to shut off the treacle mine vent after hydraulic treacle fracking caused too many earthquakes in Barlick?

[PanBiker]

One of the vents or capping points for the landfill site?

[David Whipp]

I like Tizer's explanation best...

Think Ian's in the right area - but I don't have a definitive answer.

There are several around the perimeter of the former landfill site.

[Stanley]

That was my favourite. Most likely sampling points to monitor the activity of the landfill.

[Stanley]

That last one reminded me of this. Can you remember what it is?

[David Whipp]

Leather bucket?

[Gloria]

Measure for milk??

[Stanley]

Sorry, no. One clue is the flared rim.

[chinatyke]

Coal scuttle?

[Stanley]

Sorry, no. I spotted at one day abandoned on a piece of waste land and wish I had snaffled it. It's the only one I have ever seen and dates from the 19th century. Galvanised metal construction.....

[Tizer]

It holds food or water for an animal?

[Stanley]

I don't think you are going to get this one so I'll knock it on the head. It is the pail out of a bucket toilet emptied when necessary by the Night Soil Men. The flared to increased the chances of hitting the hole! When emptied the collectors threw in a handful of disinfectant powder closely related to San Izal and a product of the gas works. See Ernie Roberts' transcripts in the LTP for a description.



Old style night soil men....

Next for shaving?

[Stanley]

All right..... Try this one....

[Stanley]

Earth to OG, are you receiving me?

[Wendyf]

We have a wages tray from a Colne mill in our history society archive. It has rows of little pots that look just like these, you can't imagine them holding more than a few coins.