Friday 29 January 2010

Answers to 'I Know What That Is' dated 21st January.

Item One
A hat stretcher, actually I think it is a Bowler Hat stretcher used in a tailors shop to keep hats in good condition. I had never noticed until I looked closely that it is inscribed with the name of William Plant and the address 51 Hilton Street, Manchester. The number 2 is also inscribed several times. I have read there is a museum in Stockport dedicated to the hat industry. Anyone out there know if Hilton Street still exists?

Item Two
A blood circulator. Patent number 13932. Inscribed with the name D Macauras. Presumably originating from the 1920's. The only mention of the name Macauras I can find is in the Middleboro Gazette, Minnisota in the mid 1920's. Any information gratefully received.
If you place the circulator against the bare skin of the body, a leg for instance and turn the handle rapidly the end rotates. A not unpleasent sensation that I presume would break down blood clots. Again any other observations greatfully received. And no rude suggestions concerning alternative uses!
Item three.
A grappling iron/hook, often seen in old movies where the prisoner in the yard escapes by throwing it over a wall and climbing up the attached rope. This particlar one in my possession belonged to a police force. I am told it has been used on several occasions to recover bodies from rivers and canals.

So there you have it. I thoroughly enjoyed this blog and even I learnt something . We must do it again!

10 comments:

Nota Bene said...

A blood circulator is an intriguing device...I'd never have guessed...I failed on the hat stretcher - it was a question of scale and the grappling hook...I'm still sure it came form Batman. Excellent, looking forward to the next one

Nakamuras on Saipan said...

Very interesting ...! A blood circulator?! Hat stretcher? My old uncle Heinrich would have loved them!

Robert said...

I enjoyed that blog, and am a tad wiser now. I'm also looking forward to te next one.

Troy said...

Oh dear, I've been away so long that I've now seen the questions and answers in one visit! Still, very interesting and educational.
To answer a question you raised a couple of weeks ago - I've now finally got around to a Tractor Boy Troy posting.

Bernard said...

Hi ken Im having trouble leaving comments here

Grumpy Old Ken said...

Nota
Thanks, see answers, police not batman but close!

Grumpy Old Ken said...

Nakamuras
What a superb name, Uncle Heinrich!

Grumpy Old Ken said...

Robert
Thanks, I'll see what I can do!

Grumpy Old Ken said...

Troy
Been to your football site. Will be close but doubt you will not go down. See the cloughie video re Davies on utube. Davies has a screw loose, a pity , he is a good manager in many ways. But Davies and sadly Keene I can do without. Role models?

Grumpy Old Ken said...

Dickie
I know the feeling but I bet you have more idea re technology than me. Good luck.