Your chance to get in on the mystery

[greengeezer]

A few days ago, I was raking the bank of the small creek that passes through my property. The rake caught this pictured item that was partially submerged in the water. I cleaned it off a bit and have shown it to a number of people in a range of professions. No one knows what it is.

It is light weight, is built around what appears to be a piston, and has a few markings on it that are so worn as to be indecipherable. There is mining, farming, timbering, and ranching in this area, but people in those occupations just look at it and shake their heads.

I would be interested to hear the board insight. And no, Rifle, it is not a shower head.

 

[i am herdman]

Is it part of a hand pump for water? something like this?

 

[MichiganHerd]

Door knocker

 

[greengeezer]

Whatever it is, it was designed to move back and forth. On the end of that loop on the right side is an adjustable bolt.

Guesses have included city water tank valve, truck stack control, cannon firing pin, and alien craft landing strut swing arm.

 

[30CAT]

Part of an old door knocker?

 

[greengeezer]

The guess that makes the most sense so far is that it is part of a ratchet system from a logging truck. Trucks travel the highway above me and it could have broken off and fallen into the creek.

 

[herdfan06]

 

[30CAT]

The guess that makes the most sense so far is that it is part of a ratchet system from a logging truck. Trucks travel the highway above me and it could have broken off and fallen into the creek.

Sort of. But what are the loops on each end? They would seem pretty weak for such heavy loads.

That said, looking at images on Google, I do see similarities of a ratchet system.

Either way, pretty cool finding old things like that.

 

[greengeezer]

Sort of. But what are the loops on each end? They would seem pretty weak for such heavy loads.

Yeah, I thought the same thing. Those trucks carry some pretty big logs. Of course some of those cables are high strength. After we had the tornado here a few months ago, I watched the clean up company lift huge sections of fallen trees with what I considered thin gauge cable.

 

[30CAT]

Another idea. Could it be a part of the braking or linking system of a horse-drawn buggy?

 

[greengeezer]

Another idea. Could it be a part of the braking or linking system of a horse-drawn buggy?

Possible, but it seems so light, like an aluminum alloy that would make it more modern. . I’m looking at apps where you take pictures of an object and the app gives you ideas on what it may be. Much like the plant identification app I have.

 

[i am herdman]

I think my guess is correct.

 

[greengeezer]

---

Only if you are correct.

 

[Rock98Dog]

I’m with herdman, old part of a hand water pump. The handle would mount with a through bolt. The hole on the other end would be where the internal piston would connect.

 

[greengeezer]

I’m with herdman, old part of a hand water pump. The handle would mount with a through bolt. The hole on the other end would be where the internal piston would connect.

You and Herdman are gradually wining me over to your idea.

 

[riflearm2]

You and Herdman are gradually wining me over to your idea.

Yep. That’s exactly how this movie started. Don’t sit on the couch, Geezer.

 

[i am herdman]

Yep. That’s exactly how this movie started. Don’t sit on the couch, Geezer.

View embedded media

Jermaine told me his brothers would babysit my hypothetical daughter. He didn't tell me it was a slumber party. Should have told her to take some snacks.

 

[riflearm2]

Jermaine told me his brothers would babysit my hypothetical daughter. He didn't tell me it was a slumber party. Should have told her to take some snacks.

I have a feeling they had plenty of things to feed her.

 

[i am herdman]

I have a feeling they had plenty of things to feed her.

He said something about smoked sausages.

 

[30CAT]

What about shifting linkage or throttle linkage part for an old tractor? The small loops could be for springs. The light weight makes sense for throttle system.

 

[greengeezer]

This is funny and strange. I have a friend who is a retired engineer. I showed him the piece and he had no idea what it was. He took several pictures and put them on Facebook.

Within several hours he had a number of photo responses. The pictures showed the exact item I have, but none of the people responding knew what their piece was either.