Guess What Article for September 2004 The Journal of Antiques & Collectibles
By Bob Cahn, “The Primitive Man”

The spiral comes in many guises, sometimes posing as an element in motion such as a tornado or a whirlpool in an undertow, or guiding the football in its flight on an autumn afternoon. Frequently, one uses the spiral as a phrase to denote financial trends, but our focus in this month’s GUESS WHAT is on the architectural image – in cast iron.

We were first attracted to its form – which set it aside from the ordinary, and then realized it was functional as well. Patented on January 1, 1867 in Troy, N.Y. by A.T. Robinson – it measures 6 inches in diameter by 4 inches deep. Can you figure it out, if we give you the answer among the following.

Is it a:

Mop bucket wringer attachment
Kerosene lamp holder
Bean bag toss game target receiver
Feed barrel drain guard
Early spiral marble pinball game
Pasture water trough cattle muzzle activator
Challah bread making dough twister
Frozen custard nozzle design extruder
Bowling ball holder
Zebra stripe cupcake frosting stencil.

Thinking caps in position, you’re on your own. Answer verification next month. For past columns, see The Journal web-site ‘Contents’ page. Till then!

Answer to August 2004 ‘Guess What?’

Last month we “tipped” you off where this was used, not how. The tip was referring to the cushion end of the pool cue used in striking the ball. This vise was used to glue the replacement pad to the end of the shaft while it was drying.*

*From the eclectic collection of Mike Goodman, K.O.S. (King of Stuff) – Vt. and Fl.