What might this contraption be?

Scarlett King
by Scarlett King
Found this in the drawer beneath an old sewing chair my grandfather gave me. Anyone know what it is/for?
  10 answers
  • Bonnie Latta Bonnie Latta on Feb 09, 2018

    Looks like a scales for fish or small animals from hunting.


  • Anon Anon on Feb 09, 2018

    looked interesting so I did a little digging. There is one listed on ebay.

    http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Rare-Antique-Gebr-Wichmann-Rolling-Measuring-Device-German-Instrument-Pocket-Sz-/181599534859


    listing: RECENT ACQUISITIONSThis lot is for the exact pictured item. A very rare antique Gebr. Wichmann rolling, German measuring device. Have not been able to find another from any collection or items for sale online.Although it is missing the front glass, it works perfectly. No rust found. Roll it to the right, the blue hand moves backward, move it to the left, the hand moves to the right.Devise measures 2 3/4 inches x 1 1/4 inches. Small enough to fit in ones pocket.WICHMANN (Gebr. Wichmann m.b.H. Berlin)



    • See 1 previous
    • Scarlett King Scarlett King on Feb 09, 2018

      would you say this item has some kind of “worth”? I’m have happened upon a great deal of antique/vintage things from the prior owners of our house. i do believe they were knowledgeable collectors - of many interesting things. I however, am finding it difficult to sort the valuable from the junk. So, most of it stays in my “likely valuable” pile (It’s a very large pile)

  • Joanne lueke Joanne lueke on Feb 09, 2018

    I searched a little deeper and found that it is a European Map Measure. Check out www.gilai.com under heading Scientific Instruments- Navigational. It is used on maps and to convert kilometers to miles, etc. I googled antique measurement tools and a picture popped up.

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    • Joanne lueke Joanne lueke on Feb 09, 2018

      I don't know what kind of "likely valuable" things you might have but as a former antique dealer I might be able to steer you to some books (which you can usually find at your local library) which should give you a reasonable estimate of worth on items. They are updated yearly to give more updated prices. Kovel's is one. And as always condition of the item is important.

  • Nop22292071 Nop22292071 on Feb 09, 2018

    It is used to measure distance on maps. I used to have a U.S. version. You roll it between points on a map and it will show distance in miles. Pretty accurate. My nephew stole mine and pawned it for drugs. Haven`t seen another anywhere.

    • Scarlett King Scarlett King on Feb 09, 2018

      thanks for your feedback!

      Sorry to hear about your nephew...


      would you say this item has some kind of “worth”? I’m have happened upon a great deal of antique/vintage things from the prior owners of our house. i do believe they were knowledgeable collectors - of many interesting things. I however, am finding it difficult to sort the valuable from the junk. So, most of it stays in my “likely valuable” pile (It’s a very large pile).

  • Mitzie Pikert Mitzie Pikert on Feb 09, 2018

    looks like a dial off of freon charging gauges

  • Hang on to all that stuff until you can get it all checked out!

  • Scarlett King Scarlett King on Feb 11, 2018

    I appreciate your feedback. My first hurdle to figuring out for myself is actually cataloging the items - im waiting for warmer weather and better lighting in the old barn to allow for decent photos. I’ll definitely check my local library!

  • Nop22292071 Nop22292071 on Feb 11, 2018

    I would`t know what something like this is worth. I found mine inside an old military desk that I bought on auction. As most maps today have distances between points already printed on them, I doubt if anyone uses these instruments anymore. I would keep it as a good conversation piece.

  • Wanda Wanda on Feb 11, 2018

    I have one also given to me years ago by a friend who who knows that I love interesting and odd collectables. I agree with Nopuedes. It is fun when friends are over to try to guess what these sorts of items are.