Hi, Any ideas of what this might be?

[Erthling77]

and maybe the years these were made?
Thanks

[mart]

What does it do ?? Is there writing on it anywhere ??

[frogpatch]

It does not make sense to me. It look like it needs another part or something. Strange looking thing. Mart I am surprised that you don't have one somewhere.

[Erthling77]

crank the wheel and it moves the arm over the big bowl area and looks like maybe something broke off of that section with the ball deal.. i can't see any writing or anything.. have to look harder.
Thanks

[Texasbadger]

Looks like one of those items a blacksmith would use, arm moves a bellows and blows through the coals?

[Rauville]

Looks like one of those items a blacksmith would use, arm moves a bellows and blows through the coals?

Yep...here's one that just sold yesterday on a local auction for $29!

[frogpatch]

29.00 for the best planter. Thats way too cheap.

[Erthling77]

Awsome! Thanks a lot everyone for the help.. I have been trying for two weeks now. I paid 5 bucks at a garage sale, head first in the trunk of a Camry, gotta love it!
Thanks Again.....

[mart]

It does not make sense to me. It look like it needs another part or something. Strange looking thing. Mart I am surprised that you don't have one somewhere.

I am old Frogpatch,, but not that old !! LOL
I haven`t a clue but would love to see the action of it !! I would guess there is a part missing,, but what ?

[Rauville]

I am old Frogpatch,, but not that old !! LOL
I haven`t a clue but would love to see the action of it !! I would guess there is a part missing,, but what ?

Here's another view of the one I mentioned earlier. The wooden handle would be connected to the ball on the half gear drive, which turned the flywheel. A flat leather belt would run from the flywheel to the blower under the pan to provide the draft. As you worked the handle up and down, everything would work in unison, and harmony could be felt throughout the farmyard! (These were basically a light duty forge intended for small repairs, horseshoeing, etc. on the farm. For the bigger stuff...a trip to town was required to visit the "smitty".)

[mart]

  Well I`ll be darned !! So its a forge ?? I need one of those in working condition !! You will not find them here for $29.

[Erthling77]

Interesting.... Any clue on the years they made them?

[Rauville]

Interesting.... Any clue on the years they made them?

They show up in the mail order catalogs from the early 1900's up until probably WWII. During the time farmers were switching from horses to tractors using a forge was becoming a forgotten skill.

[Erthling77]

Interesting.... Any clue on the years they made them?

They show up in the mail order catalogs from the early 1900's up until probably WWII. During the time farmers were switching from horses to tractors using a forge was becoming a forgotten skill.

Thanks.. good stuff