Another Mystery Tool?

[mahking51]

Seems to be my week for oddities!
This came in a box of Bric a Brac at auction:

Made of cold painted cast iron, the catch at bottom pulls out under a stronngish spring tension but no apparent ratchet to keep it out?
Body is 6" overall by 3" wide.
Some sort of gizmo for hanging pots over a fire?? :?: :?:
Cheers,
Martin

 

[PeterBassett]

It's one of those things for making queuing lines in banks and postoffices, circa 1800. Picture 10 of them stretched between cast iron poles.

;-)

 

[AndyT]

I think it might be a retractable travel washing line - for drying your socks overnight when at a cheap B&B. A bit like this modern plastic one:

 

[mahking51]

PeterB,
Interesting! Not sure whether you are pulling my chain here....?? Are you serious?
Martin

 

[mahking51]

Aha! just found out it is only about 2 feet long full extended.
You little wind up merchant!

 

[bugbear]

My guess is a tool counterbalance, like you see on many production lines, holding up a (e.g.) air spanner weighing 50 Lbs. If the spring provides a force (*) of 55 Lbs, the tool stays up on the reel, but can be pulled down by a force of only 5 Lbs, and put back up using no effort at all.

Your device is much smaller - I'm guessing for holding something like scissors over a shop counter.

BugBear

(* there are interesting items called "constant force springs")

 

[mahking51]

BB, That sounds on the money to me, makes perfect sense.
Also the fact that it is numbered probably means its available in different sizes.
Cheers,
martin

 

[knappers]

They are called "spring balancers", and yes, I think you are right.

Si.

 

[mahking51]

Job done! Thanks everybody.
Martin