This came into a thrift store my Mom works at and we dont know what it is.
Any ideas?

That is a tachometer for measuring the speeds of the drive belts on old farm and other machinery.

Moosetrot

Revolution counter probably made by L.S. Starrett.

The pointed end engages what ever is turning and in conjunction with a clock/watch, you can determine revolutions per minute.

Also, can be used on the ends of shafts. Definitely an antique, could be worth some $.

Thanks guys for the replies. With a magnifying glass I could make out the LS Starrett on the dial.

Dave

Tha that is a cool find. Now you would put a mark, usually white, on a shaft or belt and use a stroboscope to measure rotations.

And I thought it was a sharpening gage for a pig castrator

Very cool old tool. They were made by the Starrett Company from the late 1800's until the 1930's.

Yup… measures RPM … requires a light touch or Lefty is your nickname

used them at the old mill that I worked in.

Not really unless it’s brand new in the box never used most likely less the 20 dollars, most old tools like that can be had cheap because except for old farts like use not many are interested

Heck I really hope my kids don’t just throw out the ones I have collected over the years even though I know there not worth a lot, maybe I will write that into the will that they have to go to a museum or something


Cool find and I bet the person that donated it didn’t know what it was either

Dial gauge for pig Castrater