http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blacksmithing-WHAT-IS-IT-Antique-Vintage-Iron-Stand-Blacksmith-Tool-/251284491916?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a81b90e8c

Brian and I were discussing this on Facebook. His guess was railroad track switch, but I don't think so.

This is a type of tyre shrinker. The tyre was heated up, clamped either side then compressed up  using the centre lever. This was done to save cutting and rewelding.
Graeme

I don't know, I can't see how it would work... Wouldn't there have to be a set of radius jaws to do that shrink the tyre... 

After a little research I have come to the conclusion that it is nit a RR track switch.... I'm stumped...
 

Like this, Brian-

AAH I see now...

Great Photos Papaw, I think that the eBay shrinker is shop made and not a commercial one.
Graeme

This may be redundant after Papaw's excellent post. But from Datamp: Canadian patent 16,623 was granted April 9, 1883 to Andrew Bell Jardine of Hespeler, Ontario for improvements on a tire upsetting machine - Jardine's Improved Tire Upsetter. The patent drawing, while not an exact match, is the same design.

OK, a tire shrinker it is, but shouldn't there be a mechanism to spread the two arms on the right in order to butt the ends tightly?

The more important question is the vehicle in the background. no engine or front clip but Buick rally rims from the musclecar era. skylark GS maybe?

Quote from: johnsironsanctuary on June 14, 2013, 09:03:48 AM
OK, a tire shrinker it is, but shouldn't there be a mechanism to spread the two arms on the right in order to butt the ends tightly?

Unless it's a two man operation. I think there is something missing. Maybe some kind of locking device to hold the arms once they are spread.