Weird "Whatisit"

dd

OK, folks, here is a quiz. What is this strange contraption?<br />
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Chicago Outlaw Sider

Ho yes, this is a very, very,good find. This is a late model flint lock produced in the mid 1500s. Its origin is not certain but it is believed to have originated in Holland. The majority of them were used on Spanish ships by the Master Carpenter. The weapon was accurate as long as it was not fired. The balance was hard to control due to the breach saw which was used for cutting block and tackle as well as used for mending sails. Later it was used by the ships doctor for amputating of toes and fingers and being Abel to saw and quarterize at the same time. <img src='http://www.goodguysposse.org/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/crazy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':crazy:' /> <br />
COZ

dd

BUZZT!! All wrong!<br />
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It's a gunpowder tester.Because gunpowder varied in explosive power, gunsmiths needed devices to test particular batches. By the 1500's, elaborate powder testers were available. This one resembles contemporary military pistols and may have belonged to a military gunsmith. Pulling the trigger ignited a measured amount of powder in the tube atop the tester, turning and locking a spring-loaded, numbered wheel. The number at which the wheel stopped indicated the powder's strength. The development of self-contained cartridges during the 1800's made powder testers obsolete.<br />
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See more of them [url=&quot;http://pzphotosan174-t6.blogspot.com/&quot;]here.[/url]

Chicago Outlaw Sider

Well DD I sure did have fun guessing and making up a story about it. Lets try another one.I will be as colorful as the last if I do not know about it.

Longtooth

I must say I like Coz's answer. Great imagination. I was sure he was right. Oh well! live and learn. <img src='http://www.goodguysposse.org/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/whistling.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':whistling:' />

dd

Let's see what I can find.