Can anyone identify this implement?

patsman07

It belonged to a timber merchant but it may not be associated with that profession.

Lime Tree Farm

How big is it - could it be a branding iron?

2xj3hplqgsbkym

No idea but looks like it could be used to hang meat or game from

patsman07

From the top of the handle to the bottom of the implement it's close to two foot. You can fit a man's hand through the circle in the middle. Would have thought a branding iron would have the 'branding design' at right angles to the handle? Also I would have thought it's a bit big, I don't know much about it though!

Say my name

Haven't the foggiest.

It's like something you'd put the reins of a horse through either the hole or crooks.

Is a thing like that used in logging?

Aravo

It's for keeping a horses mouth open. Would have been used by the vets of the time. Filing teeth etc. Horses were very important to every industry years ago. Antique horse dental wedge

patsman07

Aravo wrote: »

It's for keeping a horses mouth open. Would have been used by the vets of the time. Filing teeth etc. Horses were very important to every industry years ago. Antique horse dental wedge

Thank you Aravo!! Your absolutely sure?

john9876

I think he's right, this is similar
http://gallery.nen.gov.uk/asset658920_14046-.html

Aravo

patsman07 wrote: »

Thank you Aravo!! Your absolutely sure?

Tell me what the prize is and I'll then be better able to tell you how sure I am. Its likely that the better the prize, the more sure I am.

It makes sense, a logging enterprise would have had relied heavily on horses many years ago.

longgonesilver

Further research on the above by Aravo.

A simple copy of something seen elsewhere and made by the local blacksmith? It was badly stored at some stage and the ends have rusted to points.

A horses mouth speculum.

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/79973547_early-horse-speculum

Think working horse rather than children's pony when visualising its usage. A modern stainless steel one with ratchets opens to 42 cm!

https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/177441-animal-horse-speculum-and-tooth-float

patsman07

Aravo wrote: »

Tell me what the prize is and I'll then be better able to tell you how sure I am. Its likely that the better the prize, the more sure I am.

It makes sense, a logging enterprise would have had relied heavily on horses many years ago.

You shall henceforth be held in the highest esteem by anyone who needs a antique horse dental wedge identified and finds this thread! Congratulations and thank you!!

Aravo

patsman07 wrote: »

You shall henceforth be held in the highest esteem by anyone who needs a antique horse dental wedge identified and finds this thread! Congratulations and thank you!!

Thank you patsman. And to those teachers who thought Aravo would never amount to anything. Please read the this short thread.