SOLVED. some body hep me! Some type of grabber? What is it?

[dg39]

I have seen parts grabbbers for mechanics but this pre dates them I think. From an old doctors estate. Given to the museum. They (the family thought it was a medical instrument) I dont know. Anyone?? 13 inches long. Fancy well made twisted heavy gage wire. Not soft wire.
DG

[True_Metal]

I'm no expert, but I hope it's not what I think it is.

[dg39]

I'm no expert, but I hope it's not what I think it is.

Maybe I should not use it as a swizzle stick?
DG

[stefen]

I'm no expert, but I hope it's not what I think it is.

Nope. You can rest easy now!

it's the other thingy.

[boomer46901]

I have one juist like it. It is about 10 years old. Yours is missing the center wire that has a loop on the top. When you press it up or down, it causes the wires on the grabber hand to open or close. It is great for plucking small screws or bolts from the bottom of an engine compartment when you drop them.

[dg39]

I have one juist like it. It is about 10 years old. Yours is missing the center wire that has a loop on the top. When you press it up or down, it causes the wires on the grabber hand to open or close. It is great for plucking small screws or bolts from the bottom of an engine compartment when you drop them.

No, there is and never was a center wire. What you see is what it is. That is why I do not think it is a conventional grabber. And I know for a fact it is 1900 to 1940 vintage.. sorry boomer!
DG

[PBK]

[Dirt Dobber]

Me thinks PBK nailed it.

[dg39]

Come on dg39, you're in LA. ...you dont' know a mud bug catcher when you see one

Too little for a mud bug catcher. The Crayfish around here are lobster size.


Thanks to PBK. I never thought in that direction.. Knew it was not a grabber.
DG

[Montana Jim]

Nicely done PBK...

[get-r-dug]

can you imagine ANYTHING only costing 3 cents! But I guess that'd be like 10 dollars today.

[stefen]

I'm no expert, but I hope it's not what I think it is.

Nope. You can rest easy now!

it's the other thingy.

See!

Told ya its not what you thought it was

[True_Metal]

Coming from a Doctors estate, I'm still not convinced.

[trikikiwi]

IMHO

Probably the index and forefinger plugged the two holes on the device, so using them naturally, you are grabbing 'something' by moving the ring 'down' the 'prongs' to tighten them.
The prongs don't open again until they are released from the ring so...
Odds are...the device grabs a rag and cleans a longish tube.
Maybe more like a Laboratory piece of equipment.

Mike

[Angelo]

Sorry PBK. Your picture does speak a thousand words.

Here's one just like DG's.. And it quacks just like your find PBK. Oddly it's not in a Doctor's supply and rather in an antique lamp shop.

http://www.thelampworks.com/lw_info_chimneys.htm

Tony

[PBK]

Thanks, Tony!

Yep... compare it to the bottom item in the last photo on the left at:

http://www.thelampworks.com/lw_chimneys_04.htm

[dg39]

Hey! There is no doubt in my mind. It go's on display as stated. Thanks!!!!! That's the reason I frequent this place. Sometimes I can lend my experience and sometimes one of you can help the museum......And it is appreciated.
DG