Can anyone identify what this item is?

[carpenter75]

Been trying for a long time to figure it out on other forums and so far no answer. Thanks in advance.

[jondar]

Is the function of the chain to tighten and loosen the jaws of the clamp??

[wendy177]

I will guess it was used to hold a beaker type glass piece in a lab closer or further away from a flame by pulling the chain?? Just a guess. 

[Kimmienemo]

Does the C-shaped metal piece slide up and down on the vertical rod when the chain is pulled?  If so, does the chain have any kind of locking mechanism to keep the C-Shaped metal piece in the desired position?

[mart]

Think it is missing something !! There are grooves at the tip of the C shaped pieces like it would hold something !!  You may not be far off Wendy !!

[Kimmienemo]

It certainly doesn't look like any lab equipment that I have ever seen (and some lab equipment hasn't changed that much over time - at least not the really fundamental things) like ring stands, clamps, etc.  I think that if this had been designed to hold a beaker or flask - it would look more like something of this nature.

[bigwull]

Does the C-shaped metal piece slide up and down on the vertical rod when the chain is pulled?  If so, does the chain have any kind of locking mechanism to keep the C-Shaped metal piece in the desired position?

Kimmie...the locking mechanism...is built into the block from where the c shaped arm comes out...if you look at the chain immediately behind the block you will see a piece of metal that the chain is attached to....that is connected to a spring within the block that must push against the rod....??

[Kimmienemo]

So does the chain just release the lock or raise the C-arm?

[bigwull]

So does the chain just release the lock or raise the C-arm?

I think it does both at the same time..when the chain is pulled it will pull on the mechanism thats being held against the rod then it will move...as for its function...my brain is still trying to work it out....but one thing i do know..its not for holding a beaker or flask...if it were... the c arms would have to be in the horizontal position. and not vertical......these two grooves in the arms tell me that something would lock onto them....i,m wondering if these two arms are moveable i.e. independantly of each other?

[cogar]

I would guess that, ...... a pull on the chain would release the "dog" holding it stationary and then one could raise it up or lower it ..... and then release the chain to reactivate the "dog" to hold it at that position.

[bigwull]

I would guess that, ...... a pull on the chain would release the "dog" holding it stationary and then one could raise it up or lower it ..... and then release the chain to reactivate the "dog" to hold it at that position.

Did,nt i just say that?? ..copy- cat...

[Kimmienemo]

No, Bigwull.  Cogar was talking about dogs, not cats!

[bigwull]

No, Bigwull.  Cogar was talking about dogs, not cats!

Don,t you start...or you,ll be getting ..what for....cats, dog, wee moosies...what bloody difference does it make....or are you like Kevin and just yanking our chain....LOL!...now bugger off and leave me in peace....

[carpenter75]

I apologize for not having more info for you guys. All I have in the picture. I don't actually know what happens with the clamps or chains. I wish I had more info to go off of. I don't have the slightest clue. The picture was sent to me and I thought I would pass it along to any community that might be able to identify it from a single photo despite the lack of any information at all about the item.

[greenacres]

Can we see it from the other angle or other side? Or does it look the same?