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PowysMike

PowysMike

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I’ve just had an idea for a new off topic ongoing thread where members can give pictures and descriptions of an item that they’ve found or are trying to source.
I would like to start it off with these strange little turned implements. One is ebony the other looks like fruitwood. The larger one is an inch and a half long while the ebony one is an inch. They’re turned like a wooden plumb bob but there is no hole for a plumb line. There is some rough chequering on the flat side. Any ideas?
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If I'm correct Mike, they are old plumbers turnpins.

It's a very old tool used in lead piping, for making a wiped joint.

You would put the point in to open end of the pipe, and tap it in to widen it just enough to fit a new section of pipe in and then seal with molten lead.

Looks like you have a number 2 made from ebony and the number 3, I would guess, is Lignum vitae.
I only say that as that's what they were commonly made from

Hope this helps
 
cuckoo996 said:
If I'm correct Mike, they are old plumbers turnpins.

It's a very old tool used in lead piping, for making a wiped joint.

You would put the point in to open end of the pipe, and tap it in to widen it just enough to fit a new section of pipe in and then seal with molten lead.

Looks like you have a number 2 made from ebony and the number 3, I would guess, is Lignum vitae.
I only say that as that's what they were commonly made from

Hope this helps
Click to expand...
By George I think he's got it! :)
 
cuckoo996 said:
If I'm correct Mike, they are old plumbers turnpins.

It's a very old tool used in lead piping, for making a wiped joint.

You would put the point in to open end of the pipe, and tap it in to widen it just enough to fit a new section of pipe in and then seal with molten lead.

Looks like you have a number 2 made from ebony and the number 3, I would guess, is Lignum vitae.
I only say that as that's what they were commonly made from

Hope this helps
Click to expand...
I know exactly what you’re describing but no, the smallest turnpin I’ve seen was tree times the size and either made from lignum vitae or box…never fruit wood or ebony. A turn pin has a flattened end for hitting with a mallet, these are rounded. They’re similar but different and the turn pin theory doesn’t explain the flat side or the chequering.
 
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I will add a little more context, they came in with some antique sewing tools.. 🧐 Too small for darning eggs or sock darning forms (like a darning mushroom) ….possibly for working into tight corners?
 
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Ystranc said:
I know exactly what you’re describing but no, the smallest turnpin I’ve seen was tree times the size and either made from lignum vitae or box…never fruit wood or ebony. A turn pin has a flattened end for hitting with a mallet, these are rounded. They’re similar but different and the turn pin theory doesn’t explain the flat side or the chequering.
Click to expand...
Then I have no idea, sewing isn't my thing😁
 
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