Thread: Another mystery tool

Geoff

I don't really know what it is, but I think the porcelain knob could be on the wrong way. My thinking is that the device winds up like a steel tape measure or a chalk line and the knob would have to be on the other way around.

Regards
Paul

Thanks for that idea Paul,
I've reversed the knob to see if it works. Two observations: the retaining screw has a left hand thread to avoid undoing it when cranking in a clockwise direction, turning the knob over and cranking clockwise would tend to undo the screw. The other problem is the crank keeps hitting the locknut holding the driven gear post. The post is eccentric to allow mesh adjustment of the two gears so the locknut is required.
I should have mentioned the extension of the housing has two threaded holes in the base to attach it to a handle or a bench.
Cheers,
Geoff.

Google image search solved the mystery pretty easily

Helen Howes Sewing Machines - Hand Cranks

Yee ha, Jeffen, straight to the top of the class and many thanks for solving the riddle. Now to read the story and see if I can find the missing part(s).

Cheers,
Geoff.

An update, it's the hand crank for a sewing machine and the reason the handle folds is to make it more compact to fit in its case. Harris Vintage Transverse Shuttle Sewing Machine - Etsy Australia

I'm absolutely sure I've never seen one of these sewing machines before, my mum used a treadle powered Singer when I was a kid.

Cheers,
Geoff.

Geoff, I can remember seeing a few hand-cranked machines as a kid (early 50's) but by then the vast majority were treadlies, I think. I have vivid memories of my grandmother treadling away at hers, whilst busily gossiping about & crtiicising all her childrens' spouses....

That one you linked to is worth having for the fancy woodwork alone!

Cheers,

Ian,
My mothers was a treadle, then after we got electricity on the farm Dad's cousin, a sparky, rigged it up with an electric motor.

Cheers,
Geoff.