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A Whatzit from Ozfred

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Author	Topic: A Whatzit from Ozfred
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 Registered: Apr 93	posted 12-01-2002 09:29 AM [01-0892] *A Whatzit from Ozfred* quote: From Ozfred: Dear Scott Martin, Please find attached a jpeg image of a "what is it?" This is an unmarked cylinder, 115mm long with a 145 mm long chain with a cone attached (that fits into either end of the cylinder) and a 20mm chain with a hook, total weight 34 grams. Acid test indicates a high 900+ silver standard. I am hoping one of the experts might know the purpose of this unusual seamless item and suggest its origin. My thanks, in anticipation, Ozfred. IP: Logged
June Martin Forum Master Posts: 1326 Registered: Apr 93	posted 12-04-2002 09:13 PM It reminds me of something you would see hanging off a gentleman's suit vest at the turn of the last century. IP: Logged
t-man-nc Posts: 327 Registered: Mar 2000	posted 12-18-2002 08:25 AM It appears to be a vest Chain or Watch Fob and Chain...? "Smaug" IP: Logged
FredZ Posts: 1070 Registered: Jun 99	posted 12-18-2002 10:00 AM I can't help but feel that this item is for carrying something that the owner may not wish to hold in his hand for very long. It is not a coincidence that the hook can be stored inside the case when it is not in use. When in use the case can be held between the fingers like a bale hook to carry whatever it is meant to carry until he arrives home with it. Could it maybe have been used to hang an item up for temporary use? I do hope someone will have an answer for this. [This message has been edited by FredZ (edited 12-18-2002).] IP: Logged
vano@ unregistered	posted 01-10-2003 09:31 PM As a seal collector since 1969, I have seen similarly shaped articles designed to hold sealing wax.This is a particularly fine example,probably made somewhere between 1880 & 1915. I am at a loss to explain the function of the hook however. IP: Logged
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 Registered: Apr 93	posted 06-01-2003 08:09 AM From ozfred: quote: Maybe I have identified the cylinder with the hook attachment in my What is it?. There is illustrated, on page 154, of Wynyard Wilkinson's 1999 self published "Indian Silver 1858-1947." a tinder box. There is no explanation as to what was held inside, howver could the hook hold the cloth used to assist in lighting a fire? Hopefully readers know of this type of container? Sincerely, ozfred. IP: Logged
ozfred Posts: 87 Registered: Sep 2002	posted 12-08-2003 08:45 PM The answer to my question has been answered in the September 1979 edition of The Antique Dealer & Collectors Guide. The item is a Master Gunner's Linstock used to light the fuse of a cannon, a wick was held in to cylinder that accounts for the hook. IP: Logged
vathek Posts: 966 Registered: Jun 99	posted 12-09-2003 08:52 AM wouldn't a lighted wick in a silver holder get awfully hot? IP: Logged
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 Registered: Apr 93	posted 12-09-2003 09:57 AM Fred, This is just my opinion.... I don't see how your item could be a Linstock. Linstocks are found on the end of a long pole or pike. The traditional form of a Linstock included a weapon on the tip so the gunner could defend them self and the cannon. The Linstock usually had two wicks made of slow burning match rope. I believe using the Linstock at the end of a long pole/pike was preferred since the firing of a cannon can be very dangerous. When fired a cannon will jump suddenly and sometimes the cannon itself might explode, so having some distance would seem right. Your item's chain seems too short. I don't think anyone would want to be that close to a firing cannon. I don't think a rope wick would work in your items. I suppose kindling of some sort could have been inserted into the ends so like a Linstock it could have been used to light something. My feeling is that we are still looking for the answer. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 12-09-2003 01:33 PM I have seen these used by people who smoke cigars. The system was to carry largish splinters of wood in a case like the one we are discussing. The wood would be used to light the cigar. A flame from a spirit lamp, match or lighter would be used to ignite the splinter. When this was alight with a clear flame with no sulfur etc fumes remaining, the flaming splinter would light the cigar. This way a cigar could be lit from a kerosene lamp without the cigar tasting of kerosene. Kerosene smoke can taint a cigar quickly. Assuming that cigars can be tainted. Anyway, that's my guess. Maybe there are some cigar afficianados here who could help us with this. IP: Logged
Richard Kurtzman Moderator Posts: 768 Registered: Aug 2000	posted 12-09-2003 09:38 PM This looks as if it may be part of a needlework chatelaine. The hook would hold a ball of wool. IP: Logged
doc Posts: 728 Registered: Jul 2003	posted 12-10-2003 11:09 AM I, too, thought it might be part of a chatelaine, given the more feminine design on the piece. However, I just couldn't figure out what you would put in it, since the initial description indicates that the "stopper" fits in both ends, which presumably means that the other end is open. That doesn't make much sense for something that would hang at the waist. IP: Logged
T-Bird-Art Posts: 143 Registered: Mar 2000	posted 12-10-2003 04:08 PM Here is what an Antiques dealer had to say: E-mail message quote: From: antiques@bexfield.co.uk (Daniel Bexfield) Date: Thu, Dec 18, 2003, 6:14pm (EST+5) To: T_Bird66@webtv.net Subject: Re: Unknown Sterling Silver Piece Dear Art, Your item would be for holding a cloth taper/wick for lighting tinder. The wick would be longer than the item and when pulled from the bottom would pull the chain and ball closed to extinguish the flame. Yours sincerely, Daniel Bexfield. quote: Hi: Would you be so kind to identify this Sterling piece that is a Cylinder 115 mm long with a chain 145mm long. The small chain holding the hook is 20mm long. Thank you for any help. Art USA Daniel Bexfield Antiques Mayfair, London IP: Logged

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