[BCMA] Mystery Object

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

Hello Breanne;

It’s been several days since this was posted and I have seen no positive ID. I too am really intrigued. 

It’s obviously a device for measuring some value no greater than double the length of the handle. I suspect that the rack [serrated member] and pinion gear assembly connects to a series of annotated tumblers that is intended to correspond to the length of the rack extension. 

If the tumbler for the whole numerals are stuck, then I suspect that the reduction gear(s) between it and the fractional numeral tumbler are disengaged if the latter does indeed change as the rack is extended and retracted.

Other clues:
fenestrated ferrule design/orientation; how does the user hold the tool and read the numerals;
the shape and length of the “hook’ termination; almost looks unfinished or a part is missing;
the tapered shape of the handle; often tools would terminate in a bit of a gentle bulb to mitigate slipping out of a hand grip;
the end of the handle appears a bit more stained or worn.

If it is all right, I’d like to post this on another forum to see if we can get an answer.

Chris

Chris Au CGD SEGD NAI
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> On Aug 28, 2020, at 3:15 PM, Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv. <bcma at lists.vifa.ca> wrote:
> 
> Good afternoon everyone,
> 
> This object was donated to the Chase & District Museum & Archives several months ago. The donor picked it up at a garage sale but had no idea what it was. I thought I could do some research and figure it out but I haven't been able to.
> 
> It measures about 40.5 inches tall when the metal part is extended as far as it will go and 1 3/4 inches at its widest point.
> 
> It's wood with a metal "cap" at the wider end and has an L-shaped hook coming out the top. The metal cannot be removed since it is not held on with screws. The hook has some serrated teeth and does take some force to push in or pull out. There is also a small, oval-shaped window at the top which has numbers inside. Right now it is stuck between 44 and 45 on the left side but as I pull/push the hook the numbers on the right rotate through 1/4, 3/8, /2, 5/8, 1/8...
> Please see attached pictures.
> 
> My presumption is that it is used for measuring something? If anyone has any ideas on what it is or any other helpful information please email me (chasemuseumsociety at gmail.com <mailto:chasemuseumsociety at gmail.com>).
> 
> Thanks,
> Breanne Malo
> 
> -- 
> Breanne Malo
> She/Her
> Curator/Manager
> Chase & District Museum & Archives
> 250-679-8847
> Box 160 - 1042 Shuswap Avenue, Chase B.C. V0E 1M0 chasemuseumsociety at gmail.com <mailto:chasemuseumsociety at gmail.com>
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