Janx - is the receptacle capable of holding fluid? could it be a roller setup for applying glue on the side of something?

Have seen something similar in paper / cardboard factories for applying glue - except your example is pristine, which is a bit unusual..

Yeah kiwi ... It's 'watertight' ... The lower roller is smooth ... But marked from the light patterning on the upper roller .... The patterning is sort of diamond shaped (like that tool used on a metal lathe that gives you 'grip' on a socket wrench handle?) .. But real shallow .. Half a millimetre deep?

Makes sense that could hold glue I guess.... But what the hell needs glue applied like that?

Wall paper wetter applicator?
Fiberglass wetter applicator thingie?

  ... Now there's a thought! ... Do they make wall paper in 6" strips? ... Be awful lot of work? ... Fibreglass though.... Hmmmm...

I think that's feasible ... Anyone got pics with desc to back that up? ..

Btw .. Don't want to let this drag out if it can't be done... Lets say ... 36 hours more maybe ?

Quote from: Janx101 on June 13, 2013, 02:48:25 PM
... Now there's a thought! ... Do they make wall paper in 6" strips? ... Be awful lot of work? ... Fibreglass though.... Hmmmm...

Its a patterned paint roller
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=E-kg3QIEarQ
http://inthralld.com/2012/11/painterly-patterned-wallpaper-rollers/

I'm not the OP of this particular mystery item, BUT am willing to say  kiwi has it.

Quote from: Kiwingenuity on June 13, 2013, 02:58:32 PM

Quote from: Janx101 on June 13, 2013, 02:48:25 PM
... Now there's a thought! ... Do they make wall paper in 6" strips? ... Be awful lot of work? ... Fibreglass though.... Hmmmm...

Its a patterned paint roller
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=E-kg3QIEarQ
http://inthralld.com/2012/11/painterly-patterned-wallpaper-rollers/

yes indeedy he has it!!!! .. and i must say... WELL DONE!!! ... the couple boxes of stuff i got this out of.. didnt see any of those rubber roller pattern things.. but im going back to look!!!! ... find some paint.....

perfect!! and im 'tickled pink' that I know what it is too now!! .. hahahahah

onya Kiwi!! 

They must be dam awkward to use - keeping it straight with no edge..

Hmm, that last set of photos is probably too random - lets try this

Earth axis monitor?

  This thing was used in multiples, 4 columns, ~40 per column. was scalable.
It was decomissioned about the same time transistors were developed.

for whatever reason it makes me think of a huge size version of a radio tuner ... kinda ...

but 4 columns... 40 per ....

early radar... range tuner?

old mainframe componentry?

It rotates about one axis, and can traverse along another. 

It could be scaled up depending on how big the neighbourhood was.
These days it is replaced by something you carry in your pocket.

part of a tape drive?

  Not computer related, although the modern system is being superceded by computer control.

I have been thinking hard but I have no answer. Sorry. Maybe I can do much better with next thing to guess.

  This system has been replaced by instant messaging and emails..
And was lovingly whittled by Ericsson

Telephone switch?

Elevator indicator that goes in the elevator control room

Quote from: Paulcet on June 14, 2013, 04:46:43 PM
Telephone switch?

Getting a whole lot warmer - in fact I will give you this since probably not many of these systems were ever installed in large numbers.

It is an electromechanical line or group selector module for a Telephone exchange.  A typical exhange would have had about 400 of these modules installed in racks. You could scale up the system by adding extra columns of these modules and installing a rats nest of wires...

Your turn