Mystery Object. This really is a MYSTERY OBJECT, in that I have no real idea what it is. It belongs to friends of mine who, for many years were dealers in antiques, with a bias towards militaria. The object is made of iron and is just over seven inches long. When I'd only seen pictures of it, I thought it might be some sort of muzzle band for a long gun, but having examined it, this idea does not seem feasible.
Any suggestions would be welcome. It is, I think, probably of 19th century manufacture, but might well be a little older.
Thinking caps on please, chaps and chappesses.
Don't quite know why I'm being so secretive. It belongs to John and Margaret Tinworth, who used to keep an antique shop in Lavenham.
Thanks in advance.
11 comments:
You will have noted there are two conical screw holes. These usually receive wood-screws. My wild guess is that it was a holder for a messusah/mezuzah such as are attached to orthodox Jewish houses; A capsule containing the words of Deuteronomy ch.11v.1-17 would have been held in this framework.
Deuteronomy11:18-20 says:- "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
These verses apply specifically to the preceding 17 verses of Deuteronomy 11 but have come to represent the entire Torah or first 5 Books of the Bible in general.
Thank you Crowbard. That sounds highly likely. I'll pass it on.
Have examined the 'mystery object' again, and Crowbard is absolutely right. If the two screw holes were used to screw the object to a door frame then the appropriate scroll could be inserted into the central ring of the device. It is well thought out for purpose, and should work well. will let John and Margaret know. Sometimes the antique trade can become a sort of guessing game- still, working a purpose out is always an interesting mental excercise! Thanks again, Carl.
Crowbard is a useful brother, isn't he?
He most certainly has his strong points, Z.
Many thanks for the info, well done 😀
Glad to have been of service Mags. Regards to John.
Traditional Jews still touch the mezuzah whenever entering their houses to keep themselves mindful of God's word. I believe they also wear a head phylactery, a smaller capsule called a Mitzvah of tefillin shel rosh on their forehead to the same purpose.
Dear Z, in terms of comparative usefulness I cannot begin to extol the mountains of support, kindness and undeserved loyalty I have received from my Big-Bruv, his devoted wife and their extended family. God Bless 'em and keep 'em always.
Mike and Ann are two of the loveliest people I've ever known. They were so kind when my husband died. And it's clear how close a family you all are - your parents must have been good 'uns too!
Thank you Zoe. And they were indeed -warm regards to you both, Mike and Ann
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