[BCMA] Mystery Object

Thu Sep 3 15:52:54 PDT 2020

Good afternoon Chris,

Yes, that is alright with me if you want to post the information to another
forum.

To answer some of your "other clues",
For the numbers to be read right side up the rack as you called it must be
pointed away from you.
The end of the hook/rack is not sharp like it has been broken if that is
what you are referring to though it is an almost tapered end.
The widest part of the wood near the metal does have a shape that makes it
comfortable to hold in either hand, either stopping fingers from sliding up
(right hand) or for the inside of the palm (left hand).
The far, narrow point is the most worn in that all of the varnish(?) has
been rubbed away. The higher up you go the more shiny varnished area there
is.

I have attached more photos.

Thanks,
Breanne

On Thu, 3 Sep 2020 at 15:26, Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv. <
bcma at lists.vifa.ca> wrote:

> 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
> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
> Didax Design
> Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada
> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
> 604 961 3472
> LinkedIn <http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/chris-au/3/590/360>
> Behance <http://www.behance.net/Chris_Au>
> Pictorem <https://www.pictorem.com/profile/Veratis.Editions>
> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
>
>
> 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).
>
> 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
> www.chasemuseum.com
> "LIKE" us on Facebook
> www.facebook.com/pages/Chase-and-District-Museum/141681956033401
>
> <IMG_1107[1].JPG><IMG_1108[1].JPG><IMG_1109[1].JPG>
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-- 
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
www.chasemuseum.com
"LIKE" us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/pages/Chase-and-District-Museum/141681956033401
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