On 2008-12-26, Rob H. wrote:
I plan to go back to the usual schedule next week:

http://55tools.blogspot.com/

Posting in rec.crafts.metalworking as always.

1495) Steel rule holders, designed to hold the rule perfectly
vertical relative to the surface plate on which it is resting.
The surface plate is either cast iron or granite, formed to a
particularly flat surface. Depending on grade, the surface may
be flat within one micro-inch.

This particular tool is used for setting a surface gauge
(scriber which slides on the surface plate for layout work.)
You can adjust the starting point of the scale to a gauge block
or a stack thereof to define the starting point. The workpiece
is coated with a layout dye, usually blue or red depending on
the metal involved (selection for best contrast), or for cast
iron, a white coating is used.

The surface gauge is set to height using the scale in the stand
as shown, or one of several other tools which include the scale
and a vernier as part of the device.

The person who would use this is a machinist doing layout work
prior to machining a workpiece.

All of the examples appear to be resting on some white paper
covering the workbench surface, and in front of a stack of
planks, which would suggest an alternative woodworking use for
these tools.

1496) This looks like a very rusty and old pneumatic door closer. It
is attached to the door frame and to the door, and controls how
quickly the door is allowed to close under spring force.

1497) Interesting combination tool. It is at least a hammer, a claw
for removing nails, a one-way wrench to use on two diameters of
pipe, pullers for smaller nails which are not fully seated,
perhaps a wire stripper to remove insulation from electrical
wire, a wrench for two sizes of hex head bolt or nut, and a
point for either stabbing into dirt, or for deburring the ID of
cut off pipe.

1498) This looks to me like part of a folding brace for an awning.

It would appear that yet another threaded part screws into the
socket near the hinge, and the hinge has a ratchet to hold it
opened to various degrees.

1499) Too small -- otherwise I would suggest that it is part of an
early design of handcuffs. Maybe it is for securing a rifle
barrel in a firearms rack -- probably in a military barracks.

1500) Looks like something for holding either flowers or a candle
attached to the wall. If the latter, I think that it is too
close for safety.

Now to see what others have said.

Enjoy,
DoN.

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