Picked this up for a couple of bucks at a flea market. It looks like an antique lifting shackle. Is stamped Made in Canada. Each part also is numbered (T4, T5, etc..)

Any ideals what it is? Can anyone point me to an internet site that explains it?

Attached Images

	STA_2620.jpg (29.7 KB, 211 views)
	STA_2621.jpg (30.6 KB, 182 views)

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Dennis
SWCA #2409, SWHF #353

I think it is used for sailboat line rigging.

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CSM, U S Army(Ret) 1963-1990

Hadn't thought of that. That would make sense for something like a spinnaker pole.

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Dennis
SWCA #2409, SWHF #353

It is an old fashioned Pelican Hook, yes, used on sailboats. I've seen some trawl boats with a larger version.
Steve W
PS. a pelican hook is not used for catching pelicans, they make terrible Gumbo.

But, but, they taste like chicken.

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CSM, U S Army(Ret) 1963-1990

I thought it was a machinery lock-out. When an operator is working on a machine and he does not want anyone to start the machine while he is working on it, a lockout is placed on the power switch. They usually have provisions to place multiple lockouts to protect all those working on the machine. When everyone is safely away from the machine they all remove their padlocks and the switch can be thrown to the "on" position.

Here is a picture of a modern lock-out: Google Image Result for http://www.olelearning.com/images/lockout1.jpg

And this shot shows it in use:

http://www.seton.com/safety-lockouts-js160.html

It's a "THING-A-MA-JIG"........that's what anything is called if you don't know what it does or what it is!!

Don

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Laus Deo! <><

It is not a pelican hook, it appears to be a snap shackle, often used to connect sail control lines (sheets) to "grommets" at the corners of sails, typically spinnakers and similar running or reaching sails where the load on the shackle is moderate. It's not as strong as other shackle types, but is quick to fasten and release with a pull on the spring loaded pin that keeps it closed (the eye on the pin is often fitted with a short lanyard or loop to provide greater purchase...), and is theoretically able to be closed and opened with one hand, albeit often accompanied by much cursing, especially if there's much load on the shackle...

A pelican hook is commonly used to fasten a segment of lifelines to stanchions so that the lifelines can be let down, like a Texas gate, to permit ingress and egress through the opening created when the lines are let down. A pelican hook provides a strong, secure attachment that requires no tools to open or close quickly, but is too "clunky" to perform the task of a snap shackle, and because of its capability of "camming" closed, can tension the lifeline or etc. as it is levered closed. A google search for both terms will show abundant illustrations of both.

The specimen illustrated is an unusual color, inasmuch as that such hardware for marine use is usually stainless or high-strength bronze, and these photos suggest that the piece is perhaps ferrous, or maybe just very tarnished brass or bronze. Maybe the OP can weigh in with greater detail?

Kicking this old thread back up. This is marked Made in Canada. It has a T4 stamped on the main body and a T8 on the arm that swivels down. Back side is stamped either T5 or TS. You can't see it in the photos but the arm that drops down is released by pulling the small eye at the top to the right. This engages a spring which in turn releases the detent that holds the lower arm locked in place.

It's approx. 7" wide and 5" tall and is very stout. Hard to image it having any sailing use - particularly because it's iron. (OK it could have been Mayflower rigging)

Heavy material handling or logging?

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Dennis
SWCA #2409, SWHF #353

Since this thread hasn't been locked as oold,

It appears to be a Henway.

What's a henway? About 3lbs for a good fryer!
Rim shot. Tip your waitresses.

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I'm with her