Non treasure whatsit...hand-op magneto

[jopher]

Ive had this kickin around the garage for awhile and although I know what it is ....I have no idea what it is? The only scripting is a serial # and "manual firing".
So it is a hand firing magneto....for what? Searches have told me that similar devises are used for firing explosive primers and the like....but nothing conclusive.
The casing is about 4" high and the whole thing is about 8" high. Twist handle to spin mag. Hope someone can identify...didnt know whether to pitch it or ??

Thanks...Joe

 

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[Monty]

Looks like one of many styles of detonators. Some you twist and some you plunge, but all send out sufficient spark to set off a blasting cap. My best guess? Monty

 

[mainer]

I would agree with Monty.

 

[DCMatt]

I agree with Monty and Mainer. Oddly, I can't seem to find a pic of one like that.

Rest assured, though... We are all now on an FBI watch list for searching the internet for info about explosive devices.

DCMatt

 

[kenley]

If I remember right..you have to wind it up about three-four turns, then push the handle to release the spring. I've used them, but only in familiar training. USMC

 

[jopher]

I agree with Monty and Mainer. Oddly, I can't seem to find a pic of one like that.

Rest assured, though... We are all now on an FBI watch list for searching the internet for info about explosive devices.

DCMatt

Yes ....dont think Ill be puttin it on Ebay
Goin in the scrap metal bucket.

 

[Blind.In.Texas]

If I remember right..you have to wind it up about three-four turns, then push the handle to release the spring. I've used them, but only in familiar training. USMC

We used a clicker. It was neato.... HEY!!!! Hook a multi meter to it so we'll know what voltage it produces. Now I am curious.

Oh, and judging from the cracking of the jacket on the wire leads, I would say 40's model. The handle looks like bakelite. If you take it apart there should be a charge capacitor inside that dome on the left. Looks it took several turns to reach sufficient voltage then WWHHAAMMOOOOOO let the hammer fall!!!!

OOOps......sorry

The capacitor might have a manufacturers logo on it.

 

[Produce Guy]

I would put it on sale on Craigslist or try your local pawn shop.

 

[littleneckhalfshell]

Wow, that is so neat I bet it would make a good theater prop, even if it does not work. Wonder if it would give a shock if wired to a seat? You might want to hook it up to a spark plug and see if it actually works or not. Sometimes the wiring inside coils and stuff like that short out and then all it really is, is a conversation piece or a movie prop. I wouldn't throw it in a junk bucket, personally I would love to have something like that on my shelf, and they are useless without electric blasting caps (good luck on getting anything like that with out a special license these days) I would expect that in the old days, such things would have been more common, for blasting stumps, rocks, etc on farms and such, but post 9-11, you can't even say the four letter "B" word. Still a great find.

 

[littleneckhalfshell]

Actually, you don't need one of those to set off blasting caps, most of the times I have seen it done on TV these days, they hook the wires up to a 12 volt car battery to make the 'firing circuit' So it is not as if it is an indispensable part of setting off blasting caps. But using something like that, would make Myth-Busters proud.
Maybe it would be something that they would be interested in

 

[TiredIron]

Monty was right on first....

There is absolutely nothing dangerous......or restricted about "Blasting Machines" like this. As for comments like "Not something you'd list on Ebay"..
There are at least 1/2 dozen of them listed on Ebay at any given time. Like this one....

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=158470818

http://cgi.ebay.com/Blasting-machin...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1e5aa03dab

Search Ebay ("Blasting Machine") and they show up from the Box Plunger type of the 1800s to WWII....Korea War....Vietnam Clackers....and new commercial units. Yours is a single 1/4 turn twist type used 1940-1970's.
It was rated as for "10 CAPS".
There is no capacitor in it.....under the bump on the cover is merely two threaded posts with knurled finger nuts that hold the external leads.
If you have no use for it.... I'll buy it. I have a box of them..... I may as well have one more. I'm with the "Military Vehicle Preservation Association". When someone is looking for every conceivable accessory for his display or re-enactment gear.... these items fill the bill. Say the word and I'll PM you. In fact.... I did.
Thanks for your find.

 

[Monty]

I know they aren't dangerous or unlawful to possess unless you have the caps and some explosive to use it with. They woud require special storage. But I wouldn't sell it to just anyone either. I wouldn't want it to come back on me if some mo ron used it for illegal purposes. Monty

 

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

It's obviously the same thing that TiredIron posted a link to. And it is very similar to a German "spoils of war" detonating device my father brought home from World War II. My brothers and I used to play with it as kids, and although I don't recall exactly how it functioned, I do recall that it would give us a small shock when activated. And being as I was the youngest of four boys, I was always the "guinea pig" who got zapped! However, I don't recommend anyone else try this. Dad donated the one he had to a CB's museum years ago.

SODABOOMBOB