Hazard A Guess: Week of April 24, 2008

Hello from Hazard!

John Pfeifer of Galion, Ohio, concurred with Ed Wanchock and Joe Betz (listed in last week’s Hazard column) that Item No. 829 was probably a tool for turning on or off gas or water valves.

And Ed also sent in more related information: He says an old Chandler Boyd catalog has the tool pictured and lists it simply as a socket wrench. “A.C.F. socket wrenches and adapters for use with lubricated plug valves.”

The catalog says it fits a long list of valve sizes, from one-half inch to 14 inches, to which Ed adds, “I don’t know of an acetylene tank that would have this type of valve!”

Thanks to our trio of readers for sharing their answers.

Story Continues Below Photos

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Two sharp-eyed readers immediately knew what Item No. 830 is: a wall-mounted whip holder.

Paul Hurd of Kinsman, Ohio, and Eli D. Miller of Mesopotamia, Ohio, were quick to respond. And both know what they’re talking about. Hurd raises and drives registered Welsh ponies and has one hanging in his barn. Miller says he has about 10 variations of whip holders in his collection

The whips were hung by the knot between the holder’s fingers, which kept the whip straight.

Thanks to both Hurd and Miller for responding, and to Ed Wanchock, who submitted the photograph.

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For our newest mystery tool, we turn to one sent in by Les Howell of Beach City, Ohio. The two photographs show the same item, just different views — from the side and from the bottom.

Do you know how it was used? Send your answers to: Hazard a Guess, P.O. Box 38, Salem, OH 44460; or via e-mail to editorial@farmanddairy.com.

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If you have something you’d like to submit to Hazard a Guess, please send a clear 35 mm photograph (no Polaroids, please) or digital photo file, along with a complete description of size, unique markings and explanation of how the tool was used, to: Hazard a Guess, P.O. Box 38, Salem, OH 44460; or via e-mail to: editorial@farmanddairy.com. Or if you’re driving through Salem, Ohio, weekdays, you can drop by our office and we’ll take the picture for you (not on Mondays, please, that’s deadline day!)