It is the first swiss army knife

Turning the crank causes the hook to turn. The thing is hanging in the picture because that's the only way it would stand up. We don't know which side is up or, indeed, sideways. The foot thing is hinged so it can move like a flap up and down. The bits above the hook are two interlocking "sprockets"--one vertical, one horizontal.Turn the crank and the vertical sprocket turns and makes the horizontal one turn, hence swivelling the hook. Above all that is a "holder" like something you could put a broom handle or a pole or something. Dan P

I believe this is a device used to spin smaller threads into larger rope pieces.

There have been suggestions that this tool was used to twist threads into ropes or metal wires. But we searched for old fashioned gadgets used to do this and they didn't look remotely like this and had hooks to hold the number of threads you were spinning--three or four our whatever. So we're not sure at all. Dan P.

I forgot to mention that there is writing on the tool which looks like "Tubrok Bros." That lead didn't turn up anything that looks like this varmint. Dan P.

It looks VERY similar to a wine bottle opener I have that is rooted to table or a wall.

Hmmm...wine bottle opener. Now that never occurred to us. How would it work? Which part would stick into the cork...assuming that the hook might link to that?

there's noway that's a bottle opener

The US Navy is looking for items like this. They will buy all you can get. They want to make a new anchor. Sorry, I just could not resist!

This looks like it might be used to wring out laundry? hang something on the hook and twist it tight? use the foot part to squish it down?

People, it is to fetch a pale of water. The bucket is lowered into the WELL, dipped in water, than pulled back up.

Can you describe the the materials it is made out of. The part at the bottom (current orientation) looks to be made of tin and the top part of cast iron. There also seems to be some detail cast into the metal at the hook. Also is there any wear that could hint at its use. I was also wondering if the bottom piece can hook around the hand crank possibly act as a catch if there was tension.

These are good questions. I'm going to borrow the device from my friend, maybe take extra pictures and try to describe the thing more. Give me a couple of days. Ain't this frustratin'...

Dude, It's obvious. It is an egg-beater, coat hanger, bottle opener, knife. And ultimately, excuse me for this, but definately used to preform abortions. ....im so sorry. I had to.

Did anyone ever work on an old fashioned cattle ranch? The tool is almost upside down from its use position. The flange hooks onto a chain suspended from a block and tackle. When an old fashioned hay bailer spit out the compacted hay, it came in layers, the bailer would separate a double arms length of layers and the wrapper would run a string of wire around the length and quickly hook it onto the hammer (that's the part that gives you a beat when you turn the crank). As the hammer moves it tightens the wire. When the wire is tight, the wrapper twists the machine to interlock the end of the wire and the feed, and clips it off. It's good to be old and remember this stuff.

Thanks, Denny!! I can almost get it.... This critter has been driving me mildly crazy, off and on. "When an old fashioned hay bailer..." is the machine. "The bailer would separate out... and the wrapper would run a string of wire...." Both of those were workers, as a team, yes? "..quickly hook it onto the hammer..." That is the hook we see? The flange on a chain on a block and tackle I can see. Was the base shoved onto a pole on the wagon? I can't see the thing free-floating. If I could 'see' how it would work, I could finally sleep well, without dreaming of the blasted thing [grins]. Yeah, it's really good to be old and remember stuff [grins]. My memories don't extend to this, though. Can you spare a few more words to help me picture how this worked?

It's looks pretty useful and I'm sure I want one, Does it have any evidence of being used in the kitchen?