What is this? 12-23

[remrogers]

[slagmaker]

Ice tongs

[remrogers]

Nope. Not this time.

[slagmaker]

Doh!!
Hmmm...? The hooks aren't pointy enough for ice to go or a log skidder. Got a good one here.

[coyote101]

For lifting artillery shells or stone blocks.

Pat

[pitw]

Looks like the unit they used to attach by the ear holes in the old armor wearing days to get the knight on his horse with block and tackle.

[remrogers]

Pat has this one correct. It is a mortar shell lifter used during the Civil war. The blunt tips fit into holes on the sides of the shell. A pole was placed through the ring and the necessary manpower was used to lift the shell into the mortar, on top of the powder charge. Some of the shells weighed a hundred pounds, with an explosive charge.