Queries

Throughout its history, TATHS has always provided a service to identify puzzling old tools. Queries can come from anyone - museum curators, collectors, or someone clearing out a relative's shed. Whatever the source, TATHS members like the challenge of identifying and explaining mystery objects! These "Whatsits" have been published in our quarterly newsletter - and still will be - but this section of the website will feature a selection of them, generally with bigger pictures than we can print in the newsletter. If you have any answers, or just guesses that might be helpful, you can add them in the comments. To submit a query, take some photos and email them with your question to our Queries Editor, Brian Read, at queries@taths.org.uk.

Ellis Woods has just come into the possession of a pillar drill. After cleaning it up he found it to be made by Tardrew & Sons Bideford.

Details: Published: 02 August 2017

John Caraffi has provided some photos of a moulding plane acquired recently that has been puzzling him.

Details: Published: 15 June 2017

Ted Cole has written to ask advice on a plane in his possession that is not mentioned in the (2nd) edition of BPM. .

Details: Published: 05 June 2017

A moletrap 1024x768 Joanne Griffin found this object burried in her allotment. I think it is a moletrap but I would wecome confirmation

Bob Evans

Details: Published: 05 June 2017

Ted Cole is looking for information on this SAM COX plane that's in his collection. He thinks it is an early plane maker from Bristol.

Details: Published: 31 May 2017

Dru Muskovin writes from Crab Tree Farm in Lake Bluff, Illinois, U.S.A to ask for our help.

Details: Published: 14 May 2017

Steve Rogers from New Jersey is anxious to track down a maker's mark.

Details: Published: 30 April 2017

Eveline van Breemen from the North Lincolnshire Museum Service Would like to confirm (or deny) that the item in the attached photographs is a floor board cramp. She is concerned that it may have been misclassified.

Details: Published: 26 April 2017

France Smyth, documentalist at the Madawaska Historical Museum, is looking for more information about the makers of antique bits marked "Sheffield".

Details: Published: 02 April 2017

John Morrison recently bought this moulding plane. But it is not what it seems...

Details: Published: 02 April 2017

Bob Evans would be grateful if anyone could identify this wood found as part of the restoration work on the Newport Transporter Bridge.

Details: Published: 21 March 2017

Harry Dodd would very much appreciate any insights into the purpose and mode of operation of this tool. At first sight, it appears to be for shaving or trimming narrow strips of something flexible but, as you will see, close examination raises more questions than answers.