What is this please ?

[bigbear]

Mods feel free to move if this is in the wrong place.
Anyone help me out:

 

[Le Loup]

It appears to be some type of mechanical hammer bigbear, but I can't think what for. Perhaps for coppersmithing?
Regards, Keith.

 

[Broch]

Fascinating piece of kit! I'll watch peoples ideas with interest.

Just thinking completely off the page ….. could it be something to do with theatre for making loud noises like a gun, or cannon or other sound effect?

 

[punkrockcaveman]

It reminds me of a shaving horse... looks like that bar might be a grip? Perhaps something a cobbler might use?

 

[Bishop]

Gaaagh it could be anything from an automated razor strop to an Asparagus trimmer!

 

[Broch]

I'm assuming that the handle with the knob on is an over-cam tightening device that locks the plate down? and if you turn the other handle the arm lifts and then drops suddenly? or, would it stretch something attached to the plate and fixed over the pin?

Intriguing

 

[Mulloch]

Have you tried a google image search? Prob need to take pics with a plain sheet on the floor and as a backdrop to cancel out all the other stuff.
What is the history of it? Did it come with the house or have you just found it? What do the handles do? What moves and what doesnt move? Is that a lead weight or stone in the upright moveable piece?

 

[bigbear]

From a factory specialising in textile machine repairs.....
Its a stone, looks like a sharpening stone.
Turning the handle moves it to and fro.

 

[Mulloch]

I would go back to the source and ask them. Local museum, library ect for knowledge. Take some pics and put a notice on the supermarket free addds notice board. Are antiques roadshow due in your area soon? Might be worth a try, local antique shops.

 

[Mesquite]

If you're on FB you could post it on the Antique and Vintage Tools Society to see if anyone recognises it.