Medieval Torture Device?

[Gypsy Heart]

My friend Lyle (Lionspride) and his dad were heading to their treestands for hunting,when they came upon an old homestead site. Among a lot of bottles they found this old .....? The bottles all seem to be from the late 1800's
It Measures 7 inches from top to bottom..the heart shape is 2 " x 2 . The handles spread to 5 inches wide and one handle is deliberately longer. The hole on top seems to be threaded. It is really hard to read...but it looks like it says Houusti&CO. Its heavy and seems to be copper underneath with streaks of like green enamel.Any ideas what this is?

 

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[SHERMANVILLE ILLINOIS]

gypsy,

could it be some type of press or punch?

Interesting. Nice photos. Makes it easy
to understand exactly what you found

have a good un........

 

[junkdigger]

surgical retractor ?

 

[Night Stalker]

Maybe the piece of a lamp that hold the bulb in place .

Nice pictures Gypsy...good luck on the positive ID.

 

[Gribnitz]

Looks like a pair of cailpers to me.

 

[hollowpointred]

i was thinking something for either installing or removing pop rivets.

 

[Postalrevnant]

Great interesting find Gypsy. Can't wait to find out what it ID's as.

Rev

 

[pgill]

Hi Gypsy, not sure but looks like some sort of medical device in the last photo between the handles, there is a hole on each handle maybe for a spring or something?

Watching this space in anticipation

God bless
Peter

 

[EDDE]

speculum

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Thanks everyone ...I have been looking for this the past few days and would really like to find out what it is. I appreciate,as always all your help.

 

[DPBOB]

gypsy

I have something like that. Yours is missing the handle that turns and will open the claws and close the claws. I wish I knew where I put it .

When I find mine I will P M you with a Picture . I still don't know what they were used for...

FOUND IT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Mine says " THE IRON CLAW " ARUGUS MFG. CO. CHICAGO IL U.S.A. PAT, 1950757

 

[SomeGuy]

gypsy

I have something like that. Yours is missing the handle that turns and will open the claws and close the claws. I wish I knew where I put it .

When I find mine I will P M you with a Picture . I still don't know what they were used for...

FOUND IT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Mine says " THE IRON CLAW " ARUGUS MFG. CO. CHICAGO IL U.S.A. PAT, 1950757

It's a "come along" device, clamped onto the forearm and used to force a prisoner to do something he doesn't want to do, like sit in the electric chair.

 

[TreasureTales]

Here's a link describing the "Iron Claw" device. http://www.editing.org.uk/tanis/ironclaw.htm

SomeGuy is right, it's a type of "come along" used by law enforcement in some manner!!! OUCH!!!

As for Gypsyheart's device, due to the heart-shape part where the "claws" attach at the top, maybe Cupid's version of a come along?


Hmmm, the link worked when I posted it, now it doesn't. Don't know what the problem is, but if you copy it into your search engine, it'll show you the iron claw with a story of its history.

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Oh My gosh you guys! That is just crazy...What the heck would it be doing way back in the woods? This is definitely going to get looked into further....Thanks so much for all your help...

Bob....I would assume yours is SILVER

 

[DPBOB]

Here's a link describing the "Iron Claw" device. http://www.editing.org.uk/tanis/ironclaw.htm

SomeGuy is right, it's a type of "come along" used by law enforcement in some manner!!! OUCH!!!

As for Gypsyheart's device, due to the heart-shape part where the "claws" attach at the top, maybe Cupid's version of a come along?

LINK WILL NOT COME UP NO MATCH

 

[Gypsy Heart]

As for Gypsyheart's device, due to the heart-shape part where the "claws" attach at the top, maybe Cupid's version of a come along?

....hmmmm...maybe I can find some use for it after all....

 

[Michelle]

cork puller, screwer...pop the topper.... http://www.corkscrewsonline.com/pocketforsale.htm

 

[nate1976]

I think it's a type of Hand Cuff (aka Iron Claw Device). Just from my 5 years experience as a Deputy Jailer. A link to other styles like it, but not the specific brand. http://handcuffs.org/gallery_nippers/index.html

 

[aa battery]

ok here it is.its a drafting compas for drawing circles.

 

[diggummup]

Gypsy's whatsit and Bob's iron claw are two different items.Look at the bottom of the "claw" and compare it to Gypsy's,two different closures.Although i'm sure with enough imagination and determination,yes Gypsy,you could find a good use for it!