but there won't be any clues cause I don't know what it is.
size is about 3" by 3" made of iron. 3/8" course square head bolt, hole goes thru but it is more oval than round. it says Universal Chicago.
any ideas?

Is the gizmo in the center cut off,  broke off or complete as is?

I'll start the guessing game. The notches suggest it sits between pins to stop rotation. My guess is it sat on a lab bench and held an upright shaft that could be bent to any convenient shape or angle or direction of rotation to hold or from which to suspend part of the work. It must weigh about 7.5 lbs - maybe a bit less - enough to prevent tipping over for light work. And it's iron which would help to give it a decent ground to a metal bench.

Hows that for a vivid imagination? :-}

Well it doesn't look broken in anyway, if it was bigger flat surface would make a nice base. If it didn't have the big hole and bolt could be a note stick (think that is what they call those things with a pin you poke the spike thru to hold notes)
There are two real small "notches'  opposite each other on the fat part of the piece. It's weird cause it looks to hold something fairly tight with that big locking bolt but what does it hold to???
hmmm just had an idea. If you had a long rod this maybe a adjustable stop? or limit?
off of some type of machine?

Quotewhat they call those things with a pin you poke the spike thru to hold notes

Bill hooks - not to be confused with billhooks

see http://billhooks.co.uk/what-is-a-billhook/

Thanks Billman,
been racking my memory cells, they were very common 50 years ago? billhooks still used by coconut and banana harvesters? 

I can't believe it is a >Note Holder Spike<

http://img1.etsystatic.com/015/1/5975469/il_570xN.466795421_ngic.jpg

Looks like what I used on the magnetic chuck of a surface grinder to hold dressing diamond.

isn't the base machined on the diamond dresser holder? I have one on my Delta surface grinder, but it has been so long since I've had that fired up I'm drawing a blank on if it is or not.

Quote from: oldgoaly on October 31, 2013, 03:41:49 PM
If it didn't have the big hole and bolt could be a note stick (think that is what they call those things with a pin you poke the spike thru to hold notes)

Advertised in my 1949 Baker & Hamilton catalog as "Paper Files and Hooks" ($3 per dozen).  The "file" sat on a desk, with a straight shaft, and the hook mounted on the wall with the shaft bent in an S shape.  They were still in stock in my grandfather's office supplies in the '60s.

it has a 3/8 by 1/2 oval thought maybe when you loosen the bolt it would be easier to slid down the shaft. but with a 3/8" that isn't going to hold much. It's iron not machined so use in a precision application probably not likely. No wear marks like something was spinning next to it. Like so many thing it came from a auction was in the bottom of a junk box, I was trying out molasses in a crock pot, yes it works very well and fairly quick. It either came from a farm sale of a old mechanic's shop, just can't vision what it might fit.

The concrete mason in me says it's what we call a cathead. Used to be, when building concrete forms, you had to make your own wall ties, generally a small rod or heavy gauge wire. The rod goes thru the hole and the nut tightens down and keeps it from slipping. We still use them from time to time when we do an odd width wall. I'll try to find a picture of one.

This, from the Meadowburke catalog:

http://www.constructionmidwest.com/images/products/concrete/Page8-s.pdf

Hi Pritch!
think you nailed it! did they tie a level line on these? cause it has two little  notches that a string would probably fit nicely, I had googled rod stop, rod end, rod thing (yep was guessing!)
Thanks!  if you happen to be in the area (St.Louis) you can pick a lovely parting gift from  the "Am I getting screwed collection" (a jar full of screws) or if you so choose from "Am I nuts?" a jar full of wire nuts. I did  that to a couple of guys I know from Washington State, the look on their faces was so funny and were wondering if they could get them on the plane!!!! So it's a bit of shop humor! <grin>

slightly oval hole to fit over the raised parts of rebar.....

The holes are for nailing it in place to hold it while you get it snugged up and the bolt tightened onto whatever rod you're using. They work real good the first time, then the threads get all coated with concrete and froze up.

I don't think I'll be in St. Louis any time soon, but thanks for the offer. I would like to get there someday, though.