What is this rare tool?

[Harry]

Patented June 5, 1877. My first thought is a tool to place in the bull's nose to lead by a rope. (I wouldn't want to try this!) But, it is very intricate with several moving parts. Any other ideas?

I don't know how you call it in the US, but I think it's a sort of pick-up device. To use on high shelves or tubes with dangerous stuff. You pull the cord and the clamp goes open, pick-up the article and let the cord loose.

"Sixm" John

That's what it looks like to me too Harry. The only thing I can think of is, if you use it for this purpose like John has it illustrated in his post, having the handle on it would help keep the bull at bay. If he started getting ram-bunkchish, one could just pick up on the handle or move it to one side to slow him down. At this point you are probably thinking, "Better have a strong handle on it!" Gotta remember one thing, they made things better and stronger back then Just my 2 cents.

Better not let your wives get a hold of one of these, you guys might be in big trouble then.

[Harry]

Pulling the cord would close the loop. When the loop is opened that little jigger in the center moves forward. I agree that there must have been a handle in that mounting hole.

I've seen simpler versions of this for leading farm animals by the nose, but never so complex as this one.

Harry, it is possable that your tool is a hog snouter. Hogs will pull back any time you hold their snout so you could tie it to a fence to hold a hog so you can medicate or operate as in casterate.

Harry, I believe what you have is a pig catcher.

Sure looks like a fancy bull lead to me harry. Did the extra gadget lock the snote holding gadget so it wouldn't slip off. Oh well, I guess the only way to see if it works is try it. It should be quite a show. Dick in the peaceful Finger Lake Region Of NY

I did some searching at the Library tonight and lucked out. the listings back in 1877 are only in alphabetical order by the inventors name. So i scanned the dates for June 5th. listings. After about 10 pages I found a listing for a Hog-Catcher. The librarian got a CD Rom from the back and printed out both the photo and text of the Patent for me. Harry if you want a copy maybe i could fax or mail one to you, if you want it. Thanks

Thanks for backing up my previous answer. This tool is used to catch a pig by it's hind leg. With the tool mounted on a pole, you can reach out and grab the pig. Sort of like a large handcuff.

On a bull lead, the ends have a round ball on them. The ends on this tool do not. Try to grab a bull through the nostrils with this tool, and you're going to cause some nasty puncture wounds.

Thanks for the correct information on Harry's rare tool. Being I never saw a hog catcher before, I got another piece of information to tuck away. Dick in the beautiful Finger Lake Region of NYS.

Heck, here in Southern Illinois we just jump into the pen and grab him by the ear and tail.

That tool looks a lot like the frog gig we used to use, only the two curved pins were three sharp points. You "cocked the two jaws apart and when the center gizmo came into contact with the fateful amphibion, it triped the two "jaws" and there was one more frog for the cook out.

Boy that was a fun time, but I don't have time to do that any more because of the engine restorations.

"DELCO DON" Southern Illinois

Don..:: sounds like fun..I think Andrews got it ...This Could Be A Test From Harry ..Thanks Harry we know What is NOW:: I Think..Byron

[Harry]

Thanks Andrew and everyone for the comments. -- Harry