Does anybody know what this is????

[potstone]

I found this a while back in an old dumping area from the 1800's.
I have no clue as to what it was used for. Has anybody
ever seen one before or know what it is?
Thanks, Greg

 

[potstone]

#2

 

[potstone]

#3

 

[cyberdigger]

If I am not mistaken, these devices were used to help people to break their addiction to blowing bubbles.. an interesting find!!

 

[athometoo]

chastity belt? sure would discourage me[]

 

[Kilroy]

That's an unusual object for sure. The wire hoop obviously slides up to hold the ball somewhat in the hole. The only thing I can think of would be to grip something like leather or canvas so it could be stretched without putting a hole in it or leaving marks. There has to be some reason to have it locked in that position. Any other guesses?

 

[GuntherHess]

Looks like it was used with a machine or something where they didnt want it to wander off. Looks like maybe it held cloth or leather for cutting a button hole. Its odd looking.

 

[rockbot]

A skirt pin. holds the slit in a skirt together?

 

[cyberdigger]

...if anybody actually knows what this thing is, I hope they're not holding out on us, snickering at our lame-oâ„¢ guesses...

 

[glass man]

THE RAT CHAIN GANG![8D] JAMIE