MYSTERY OBJECTS

[Stanley]

You are trying hard Gloria and deserve a big clue. It's a classic stockman's knife. Now tell me what the various blades were intended for......

[Stanley]

That went well! The longest blade with the shape in it is a general purpose blade. The straight edge is a 'lamb foot' knife used for trimming the feet of sheep for foot rot. The curved blade is a castrating knife for opening the scrotum and removing the testicles.
Next one?

[Stanley]

Try this one....

[Gloria]

A type of twitch??

[Cathy]

Is it for castrating male farm stock?

[Stanley]

I can see where you are both coming from and you are close but in the wrong area. It's an archaic tool, no call for them today. It's blacksmith made and beautiful quality.......

[Wendyf]

Sugar cutters?

[chinatyke]

Tonsilectomy (is this a word?) "surgical" implement? Yuk!

[Stanley]

Wendy has it spot on, a kitchen implement for cutting chunks of loaf sugar.......
Next one?

[plaques]

This is an old embroidered fire screen (1932) bought some years ago when we had open fires. Price £2 at a second hand outlet. The question is .. What kind of birds are shown on the screen? I don't really know and can only make a guess.

P1010024PA.jpg

[chinatyke]

Lyrebirds?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyrebird

[Stanley]

Love birds? Based on doves....

[Gloria]

Fire bird......a Russian fairytale character maybe.

[plaques]

Gloria. What a good suggestion. Firebird, ---Fire screen, Phoenix , I would have never have thought of that. No artistic imagination, strictly an anvil man.

[plaques]

I'll close this one down and settle for a dove of some description and a firebird. Thanks Gloria.
To continue the theme of birds one more time. This one's in Nelson, China may get it, what is it? and where is it?

P6190260AC.jpg

[Stanley]

From the tuft on the head, a Secretary Bird. The tuft looks like pens stuck behind the ear.

[chinatyke]

Don't know why I should get it? Sorry, I've no idea but I've a feeling we've seen it before on here.

[Marilyn]

Cuckoo?

[plaques]

Stanley has got it. A secretary bird. It even has a snake in its mouth. An African bird that features on the South African flag. Actually it is a very tall bird which doesn't come across too well in the carving. Can be seen in Marsden Park, Nelson with loads more very interesting carvings. Worth a walk round on a nice day.
Why did I think China would get it? Well you seem to be very observant in this sort of things and you appear to be clued up on Ornithio Ornitholiol BIRDS.!
Next Object Please.

[Stanley]

If you know keep quiet for a while.....

[Marilyn]

Well I'm NOT sure, so I will have a go ( still hoping to win a car or an overseas holiday!)
But they look like components to make darts from...the grip of the dart?

[Cathy]

I know what they are ... Sort of.

[PanBiker]

It's test to see if you are paying attention.

[Big Kev]

I know, I know

[Marilyn]

You lot are cruel. Obviously "Blokey" stuff I have not bothered with..
( sniff) I shall return to my knitting and leave you to it...