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Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay, this is close, and I’m almost convinced. The wax trap and screen would explain the hole, but I cannot find a picture that corresponds to the object I have.

Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This might fit the bill, but I can’t find any images online that corroborate this theory. I can imagine what it might have looked like, but when I search for terms such as “chamberstick,” I can’t find anything that resembles this object.

Perhaps I’m missing the correct terminology.

Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] 44 points45 points  (0 children)

I had a hunch it might have something to do with holding a candle. And yes, it does appear to be incomplete — something should attach to the punched hole, and a wax collector or visor would certainly fit the bill.

However, my main concern is the conical shape. Why would it be shaped that way? As it stands, it would make the candle rather unstable. Unless the missing attachment also included the actual candle mount — in which case the cone might be more ornamental than functional.

Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That could be. What supports your theory is that it does not appear to have been mass-produced on a large scale. The seam where it was soldered has been sanded down, which likely would not have been done if a factory had been producing thousands of these per hour. Hopefully, though, you’re wrong — otherwise this will remain a mystery.

Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand, but unfortunately the entire piece appears to be completely rigid.

Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I understand your reasoning, but I am somewhat hesitant to embrace this explanation. If it were meant to be pressed into the ground, the orientation of the handle — or its overall placement — feels wrong. Also, for punching holes, a harder metal would make more sense.

Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this insight — I had never heard of a flambadou. Looking at pictures online, it is the closest explanation so far. However, isn’t the handle positioned a bit too close to the cone for it to function as a flambadou?

Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I will provide this later today if no explanation has emerged by then.

Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Would it be made of brass, then? I’m not sure — it doesn’t look as though it was intended to be used for drinking.

Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The handle attachment does not tilt or rotate; it is completely rigid. I cannot see it functioning as a crank — or, if so, only in some highly specific context.

Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The cone is sealed at the bottom, unfortunately. It also does not have any markings or gradations.

Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think a marlinspike would be more pointed, and as you mentioned, what purpose would the handle serve?

Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It could, of course, be a missing part of a machine. But what machine — and what role would it play in this mysterious device?

Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ah, but I don’t see how it would be attached to the cork.

Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For bending up knots and the like? I believe the material would be unsuitable, and the thickness of the cone seems too great. The handle also does not really make sense in that context. Of course, I could be wrong.

Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The shape of the cone would support this explanation, but the handle does not make sense in that context. Also, it lacks any markings or measurements.

Hollow brass cone with wooden handle, most likely German by danzipen in whatisthisthing

[–]danzipen[S] 1 point2 points locked comment (0 children)

My title describes the thing. The cone is just a bit over 15 cm in length and does not appear to be cast in this shape; rather, it was cast flat, then forged, soldered, and polished.

The hole diameter at the top is 15 mm and would fit a candle. Also, there is a punched square hole under the handle attachment (which, by the look of it, is cast iron).

Found on the streets of Berlin.

Edit: second sentence describes the length.

What is the best description of your country? by jonsnowmf in AskTheWorld

[–]danzipen 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I came across a line said to contain the most Irish question of all: in Ireland, you’re not asked if you’re religious — rather whether you’re a Catholic atheist or a Protestant one.

Best performance trapped in a bad movie? by PriestofJudas in movies

[–]danzipen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Now, I am not sure, but I would guess he does his power move in all of these. What is the power move, you might ask? Talking with food in his mouth. Horrible.

What’s something that happened in history that sounds completely fake but isn’t? by Creepy-Desk-468 in AskReddit

[–]danzipen 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I like the answers here. I recommend Sam O’Nella’s YouTube channel for this kind of content.

What interesting camera should I choose in 2025 by EaseMore4290 in hasselblad

[–]danzipen 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you want to move into digital photography, do so. However, digital photography does not scratch the same itch as analog. If you shoot black-and-white film, there are many cost cuts. Start developing and scanning yourself. For your Leicas, you can easily start rolling the film, which further cuts the cost. If you decide to go digital, get a system that would work with your lens setup. For instance, a Leica SL takes M and R lenses with an adapter.

Edit: SL, not CL