A questioner said:
Brass adjustable start control. Handle moves either direction marked for forward and reverse. Gear on bottom. 1613 on inside of lid
More info:
I’ve tried and a ton of car,boat and trolly forums over the last decade or so and have never found an answer. I believe this is from somewhere in the 1920s-1930s range may be older. The whole top moves with the handle to either the reverse or forward positions.
Some of the people opinions on it:
1. Looks like it is a timing adjustment for an internal combustion engine that requires a spark. From the looks of it, the terminals sticking out either side would be wired to spark plugs. The forward and reverse nomenclature is strange (typically we’d say advance or retard) but that might just be an older way of labeling.
2. I believe that it’s a spark timer for an early 2 cycle marine engine. The simpler stuff did not have a reverse gear, but instead reversed engine rotation. I’ve operated a couple antique (late teens) boats like that. Don’t recognise that one though.
3. The forward reverse is what had me thinking maybe boat, trolly or possibly old train but after all the searching. Taking pics with google lense I’ve never been able to find another one
4. Old trams in my home town had similar handles back in the 60s.
5. I’m very curious to know what it belongs on, there were so many engine manufacturers in the early part of the last century, almost every town had one. Especially for agricultural stuff, and of course along the coasts, marine.
6. It could be part of an old clockwork mechanism due to the gear and handle.
7. Possibly a component from a vintage music box, where the handle would wind the mechanism.
8. An element of an antique hand-cranked grinder or mill.
9. Belonging to an old-fashioned kitchen gadget, perhaps for grinding spices or coffee
10. It may be from a mechanical toy of the past century
What do you think? Let us know in the comment!
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The enigmatic brass adjustable start control you’ve described is a fascinating relic from the past. Its unique features—such as the handle moving in both forward and reverse directions—pique curiosity. Let’s explore its potential origins and functions.
Features and Markings
Material: Crafted from brass, this control exhibits durability and resistance to corrosion.
Handle Movement: The handle’s bidirectional motion suggests versatility—perhaps it served different purposes depending on the situation.
Gear Placement: The gear located at the bottom likely plays a crucial role in its operation.
Marking “1613”: The number inscribed inside the lid—1613—could be a model number, production code, or reference to a specific application.
Possible Functions
Several theories have emerged based on community discussions:
Timing Adjustment for Engines:
Some users speculate that this control relates to early internal combustion engines. It might serve as a timing adjuster for engines requiring a spark.
The terminals on either side could connect to spark plugs, allowing precise timing adjustments.
The “forward” and “reverse” labels—unconventional terminology—might indicate advance or retard settings.
Likely used in small gas tractors, stationary engines, or marine applications1.
2-Cycle Marine Engine Spark Timer:
Another intriguing possibility is that it’s a spark timer for early 2-cycle marine engines.
These engines lacked reverse gears but could reverse engine rotation.
The control’s purpose would be to fine-tune timing for optimal performance1.
Conclusion
While we can’t definitively pinpoint its origin, your brass adjustable start control remains an enigma. Its craftsmanship and historical significance make it a captivating artifact. Keep exploring, and perhaps one day you’ll uncover its hidden story!
The control’s purpose would be to fine-tune timing for optimal performance1.
While we can’t definitively pinpoint its origin, your brass adjustable start control remains an enigma. Its craftsmanship and historical significance make it a captivating artifact. Keep exploring, and perhaps one day you’ll uncover its hidden story!
While we can’t definitively pinpoint its origin, your brass adjustable start control remains an enigma. Its craftsmanship and historical significance make it a captivating artifact. Keep exploring, and perhaps one day you’ll uncover its hidden story!
The control’s purpose would be to fine-tune timing for optimal performance1.
While we can’t definitively pinpoint its origin, your brass adjustable start control remains an enigma. Its craftsmanship and historical significance make it a captivating artifact. Keep exploring, and perhaps one day you’ll uncover its hidden story!