✅ SOLVED Brass dial

[Squirrel322]

Dug this brass dial. Wondering if what it came from can be ID’d. It’s about the size of a half dollar coin.





Thanks!

 

[Hawks88]

At first I thought it could be the dial of an old combination lock minus the turning knob and lock itself. I’m only guessing. Interesting find.

 

[Squirrel322]

That’s a good suggestion, being mounted on locker would make sense. However, I think combination lock numbers usually start with “0”.

 

[firemanphob]

could it be off a camera. Just a wag.

 

[Anduril]

The dial range is from 0 - 50.
I can't really think of anything that ideally falls into such a range (not a combination lock, and probably not a camera thing either).
The large center hole could be for a potentiometer (i.e., a variable resistor), such as a volume control, or similar electronic adjustment.
And speaking of electronics, many areas of the world use 50-Hz power - not that that helps much here.

Also, just wondering, what kind of head is on the screws (hex, pan head, etc..), and are those wood screws (my guess), or might they be machine screws.
If they are wood screws, that might narrow down the possibilities....?

 

[worldtalker]

The dial range is from 0 - 50.
I can't really think of anything that ideally falls into such a range (not a combination lock, and probably not a camera thing either).
The large center hole could be for a potentiometer (i.e., a variable resistor), such as a volume control, or similar electronic adjustment.
And speaking of electronics, many area of the world use 50-Hz power - not that that much here.

Also, just wondering, what kind of head is on the screws (hex, pan head, etc..), and are those wood screws (my guess), or might they be machine screws.
If they are wood screws, that might narrow down the possibilities....?

Definitely wood screws plain as day. That may go back to Tesla's era.

 

[Squirrel322]

The screws are flathead. I am still inclined to think it’s the dial to a combination type lock like would be found on a locker.

 

[ToastedWheatie]

The screws are flathead. I am still inclined to think it’s the dial to a combination type lock like would be found on a locker.

I would think that there would have to be room for the locking mechanism between the dial and the material it's screwed to.

 

[Squirrel322]

I would think that there would have to be room for the locking mechanism between the dial and the material it's screwed to.

I am imagining it like a lock plate on an wooden door. The locking mechanism would be inside (or on the other side of) the door.

I found a picture of a safe door combination dial with similar mounts.

 

[Reanm8er]

Cool find Squirell and I think you're right. If you think about it you don't really need a zero on a combination lock. wherever the dial is setting you turn it to the right a couple of times and then turning left to select the first number etc. there is no real need for a zero.

 

[ToastedWheatie]

Maybe there was wood inside the safe door between layer of steel?

 

[Squirrel322]

Yeah could be.

Sure wish I had found the knob with the dial....

 

[Squirrel322]

View attachment 1712127

Maybe there was wood inside the safe door between layer of steel?

Unlike most I’ve seen, the dial you posted doesn’t start with a “0” either.

 

[ctalmadg]

mailbox combo lock

 

[Anduril]

Yeah could be.

Sure wish I had found the knob with the dial....

...or the chest full of gold that went with them!

 

[trdking]

It is the correct size for mailbox lock it is smaller than A combo padlock

 

[Anduril]

I've changed my mind...
Combo dial for a lock.

 

[thantam11]

that's a good idea
I think I should consult