Featured Unusual Hardware

Hello,All. This is my first post!!! I am looking for info on this piece of hardware. It appears to be nickel plated brass, and I am guessing it was meant to be clamped onto something. I attached it to a piece of 1/4" x 1" oak for reference, I am guessing would work on something a little thicker, or much thinner. This is as I found it , I don't know if it is missing pieces. Thanks, Lou

 

Welcome @lptools

No marks at all? Is that round tube fixed, or does it rotate?

 

Hello, No visible markings. Round tube/bar is fixed. I actually have 2 of these, wear marks in the same spots on both tubes/rods.

 

Seems like it should be anchored to something so the magic can happen between the clamped item and the rod

Where did you find it?

 

At a random garage sale , I was picking through the tools , and found them. The woman that I bought them from had no idea what they were , or where they came from. My own thoughts were for maybe attaching to the bottom edge of a steel lavatory sink, or something from a barber shop? Possibly nautical? I even looked up old wooden toilet seat hardware (missing parts), but no luck!!! I thought the wear marks might be a clue, some sort of foot pedal?

 

Looks like part of a musical instrument, clarinet maybe.

 

Portable towel bar...?

 

Yes, that is what I was thinking, portable, mount anywhere towel bar. Brownen I am guessing it is too heavy/hefty for a clarinet. I am not a musician, the only thing I can play is the radio

 

Could it be part of an old wringer washing machine?

 

Nickel on brass is often found on old plumbing fixtures (modern ones too.) Toilet stool lid hinges?

 

Hello,All of your suggestions are great, looks like we will figure this out soon. I agree that the plating could have been there for corrosion resistance, but I won't rule out the plating being cosmetic!!! Step pedal for a trash bin?? My dad worked for Easy Washer back in the fifties, I will have him take a look.

 

Toilet seat hinge?

 

No attachment points to the bowl.

 

I thought this might have been the part attached to the seat and the bowl hinge elements attached to the bar? just guessing though!

I just googled "antique toilet seat" and I think it just might be part of the setup- the horseshoe and cover mount for instance. Sure looks like it could be.

 

Hello, If you look back at the fifth post, I had already suggested "toilet seat hardware, missing parts". I looked around at a few restoration hardware catalogs, and other sites, but could not find a match. Also, the threaded studs that would hold the bracket to the tank ,would have been cast as part of the bracket. I'm not saying it isn't, just waiting for a photo to prove it is. Thanks, Lou

 

I looked too when you first mentioned it.

IMO, close but no cigar.

 

Hello, Jivvy. Thanks for the reply, Lou