Found this in my grandmothers shed

[chadnky]

Ok, so I was cleaning my grandmothers shed and found this hanging up and I have done all types of research and can't find anything.  The picture is a little blurry, however, on this object it says patented January 29 1901 with another patented date of oct 30 1898.  I just want to know what it is and the value if anyone can help.  Thanks Chad

[KC]

Welcome!

Can you please tell us what all the writing says?
Also, can you specify if there are any moving parts?  And, where are you located?

[cogar]

Well now, my 1st guess is …… it could be used as a rope “dog”, …… meaning you “dog the rope off” … when one is using a rope to hold or lower a heavy object.

You “throw” a couple or three loops of the rope around the “spindle” and depending on how many loops you "throw" and how “hard” you pull on the rope ... you can either “hold” the heavy object in place or gradually lower it to the ground or surface.

Or, for "easing" a heavy wagon down a hill without it ..... running away from you an crashing.

[mart]

What is the size of it !! Can you move the rake and get a bit closer pic of the writing !! Is it mounted to the board with the horseshoes ??