Anyone have any clue what this might be?

[64longstep/Brian]

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

[Papaw]

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

[anglesmith]

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

[64longstep/Brian]

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... 

[64longstep/Brian]

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

[Papaw]

Like this, Brian-

[64longstep/Brian]

AAH I see now...

[anglesmith]

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

[RWalters]

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.

[johnsironsanctuary]

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?

[fflintstone]

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?

[pritch]

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.