Mystery Object.

[Dale.]

Walking to my Kingfishers yesterday and I bumped into a chap, who was obviously into his bird watching. He had binos and a scope, which gave it away. I had a brief chat with him, then we went our seperate ways but I figured out that he had been looking for Kingfishers too.

I got to what I call a watching point, which allows a good view of the nesting area, without getting too close, too quickly. I normally watch from there for 5 minutes or so and then get closer, if I need to.

At this spot, I found something on the dry river bed. It didn't look like it had been put there by the river, it looked placed. It almost looks like something to do with scaffolding or some kind of framework/platform. It crossed my mind though that it could be something to do with the guy I had met earlier and his tripod for his scope.

If it's an important part of his kit, I'd like to get it back to him, or just bin it if it's a random bit of junk.

I used to work in engineering, so I should know really but I have no real clue what it is. Anybody?






TIA.

 

[Box Brownie]

What are the dimensions?
Does the pin come out and release the mottled insert?
What is the insert made of.....rubber etc? Zooming in it looks like it fabric wrapped???

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

If the hole in the bottom is matched by one at the other end, it could be an instrument mounting for something like a sighting scope.

 

[Dale.]

What are the dimensions?
Does the pin come out and release the mottled insert?
What is the insert made of.....rubber etc? Zooming in it looks like it fabric wrapped???

The base plate is probably 20x30 mm. The pin does come out but it's not sprung. The insert is some kind of woven, bakelite type material.

If the hole in the bottom is matched by one at the other end, it could be an instrument mounting for something like a sighting scope.

There are 2 identical holes, both countersunk

 

[Pixbarmy]

It's a support for a 50mm Howitzer Rocket propelled grenade. Keep your head down!

 

[the black fox]

Looks like a rifle rest to me due to shape and width . But could also be used as a scope / lens rest

 

[Dale.]

I was way off with the estimated sizes, I just measured it.

The footprint is 90x50mm

 

[Nod]

So the "groove" is just under an inch wide? Is the insert a conductor or an insulator (electrically)?
Is the metal bit stainless steel or something else?

 

[woof woof]

It looks to be a quality bit of kit but maybe a bit old.

 

[Gav.]

Does it float?
Is there any floating barriers to stop river craft passing near by?
Could be off a boat?

 

[Dale.]

So the "groove" is just under an inch wide? Is the insert a conductor or an insulator (electrically)?
Is the metal bit stainless steel or something else?

About that, yes.

I would say insulator.

The metal looks to have a zinc or galvanised coating, so maybe meant to be protected from the elements.

Does it float?
Is there any floating barriers to stop river craft passing near by?
Could be off a boat?

The river isn't navigable but a kayak or canoe could probably get along it, so maybe some bit of nautical gear.

conductor or an insulator (electrically)?

When I read that, the light came on. There are pylons very close by that were refurbed about 5 years ago. They had new insulators fitted, the big glass dishes and the cables were completely replaced. It was some feat to watch.

I think this is where the mystery might be solved, it's either part of a pylon or rigger's tackle/climbing gear.

 

[Nod]

Possibly but I think the HT lines on pylons are a bit fatter than an inch so rigger's tackle is probably a better bet.


ETA... A few years ago, we had some scaffolding around the house and after it was taken away, we found 3 or 4 of the clamps that had been left behind. The scaffolders weren't interested in coming back for them - they cost under a quid each so are considered almost consumables!