What is it #6

[Radio]

OK, a few questions...

1. What is it called?
2. What is it used for?
3. If I wanted one, where would I go to get one?
4. Each one is custom made for it's owner. The maker would first measure my what?

24 hour rule, please! :radio:

[TXiceman]

Looks like a wood mock up for a turbine blade.

Ken

[NN5I]

It's a Rolex Submariner. It's used for finding out what time it is. You could go to Switzerland, or to your local high-class jeweler. They'd measure your wrist.

But what's that big mahogany thingie?
.

[NN5I]

A mockup, or casting mold, for an artificial hip? The upper part has somewhat the shape of the greater trochanter and head, the "ball" part of a human hip joint (which is a ball-and-socket joint). It's about the right size, too. Could this be a step in a toolmaker's process for making an artifical hip replacement? Maybe the lower part is just for holding it in a bench vise. But I'm just guessing.

On second thought it looks a little bit big for a human hip joint.

[KF5BET]

It's a custom made peg leg for a pirate! Or possibly a peg paddle!!!!

[Radio]

Well, it's not a time piece, or a pirate prosthesis, or a pre-historic implant.

A well traveled pirate might recognize what it is. It may or may not be mahogany, but definitely some sort of hardwood. It has been given a good coat of linseed oil and then stained. People make their living using these things. And rich tourists will buy them as objects d'art.

The rectangular part held by "Mr. Rolex" :) allows it to be set in place by the user, who will remove it when he's done for the day. The next user will drop his own in place. Remember, each user has his own custom made to the measurement of his __________. :eek:

[NN5I]

OK, I give up.

[Radio]

OK, I give up.

I'll tell you tomorrow. Let a few more put their guesses in.

In the mean time, think "aid to propulsion and navigation."

[NN5I]

It has been given a good coat of linseed oil and then stained.

That's very unusual. Normal people stain it first.

But that's not stained wood; it's mahogany.

[Radio]

1. What is it called?

It's a forcola.

2. What is it used for?

In a nutshell, it is an oarlock for a gondola.

3. If I wanted one, where would I go to get one?

Venice, Italy would be about the best place.

4. Each one is custom made for it's owner. The maker would first measure my what?

They'd need to know your height since that influences the angle of the oar in the water. And they might want to know a bit about your gondola. And if you are a rich American tourist, they'd want a look at your wallet.

The forcola in this image is a bit curly-er than the one above. But then, no two are alike, for her particular gondola and her hight she has what she needs.

[NN5I]

Molto interessante!