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, at queries@taths.org.uk.
Following a recent visit to the hard working volunteers at Gunton Hall Water Saw Mill, Mike Swann is trying to identify some brass bars he has acquired.
Yuyang, an intern in Brent Museum and Archive in London has asked for our help to identify a wooden “something” found in the store of their learning room.
I wonder if you can help with a query about old woodworking tools. My son has asked me to try to put a date to two all-steel chisels found on an old estate. I have taken the liberty of attaching a photograph. I have searched high and low on the Web, but have been unable to find anything similar.
Anthony Baker is hoping that TATHS might be able to help with his research regarding a carved section of chimney-piece or mantelpiece found in the Committee Room fireplace at the Foundling Museum. This was designed by William Hogarth during the early 1740s; the carver is unknown.