LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Image Gallery Fred Kraegecheese, threshing or mixing

Here is a 'what is it?' Everyone I've asked says they have no idea what this is. The fellow who brought it to us called it an egg beater, but we know it's not. On the tip of the cone is a bolt with leather-like washers on either side. There is nothing to make it turn, but there is a swivel. The tip is cast iron, but there is nothing that engages to cause the beater to turn. We've thought of several things: maybe it was a butter beater, for cheese, threshing or mixing?

There are three (I'd guess) sapling branches bent like cane handles and each end is placed in a hole (there are six holes all together) and nailed in. It's primitive, and I doubt it was ever used too much, as the shaved wood does not seem to be worn down very much. Any information would be appreciated.

- Fred Kraege, 529 S. Gault St., Whitewater, WI 53190-1840

ANTIQUE OR SCRAP IRON?

I have a Case Model 2 chopper of some sort laying in a hedgerow rusting away. It is belt-driven from the tractor. Is this something of antique value or is it just scrap iron? Seems pretty much intact. Any thoughts?

- Dennis Bulger, email: dennisb@capital.net

HOW OLD IS MARTIN WEISS?

I have recently become the owner of an old grain/hay wagon with a hydraulic lift on the front for emptying the wagon. I found a plate on the back with the manufacturer on it: Martin Weiss of Denver, Colo. It has a serial number on it too: 12 299. Any ideas on how I could find out how old it is?

- Jenny Kirby,  email: jkirby@iquest.net

MYSTERY TOOL COMES TO LIGHT

Here is a picture of a tool which was dug up in a field by a cultivator. I would like to know what it is. It's about four feet long and has different grips on the end. I have cleaned it up and put a pop can along side it so people can get an idea of the size.

I thought it might be an old wagon wheel wrench. Also, I thought it might be an old railroad wrench. Any ideas out there will be appreciated.

- Wayne Ward, 7725 170 Ave. SE., Mooreton, ND 58061; (701) 274-8214

GOT PARTS?

I recently purchased a National 40-inch walk-behind sickle bar mower which was manufactured in the late 1950s. It is a 700 series, according to the National Mower Company. They stated that they threw out all the manuals and parts lists on these mowers two years ago. What a shame. I would like to get a copy of the parts list and the operating manual, if anybody has one. Also, any idea where I can get the 3.00 x 7 tires and tubes for it? I got the engine running by replacing the condenser, and though it does smoke, it runs well. What a surprise, as it was sitting out in the weather, with the spark plug out! It's in good overall condition, but getting the wheel hubs, clutch gear and other related shaft parts off all require a gear puller, and then sanding down the shafts so the parts will slide on and off again. Your magazine is great, and has been a big help in finding a patent with complete drawings on my 1880 Champion lawn mower.