January
2003 Issue
by Bob Cahn

         
           What a way to start the New Year – with a sexist remark! Actually, we didn’t make it, it was made by the “Guess What” piece itself. Emblazoned in the cast iron across the top portion is the word “Amazon.” There are a few more words, but revealing them would be giving away the answer before we start.

            This month’s item is known as a multi-purpose implement – hand-held, with three functions. A sharp cutting, chisel-edge cast iron blade and a tack hammer are two uses. We’re asking you to come up with the remaining one – based on the 49 knife-edged spikes on the under side. [Dimensions: 8 3/4” L x 4” W]

            This piece lends itself to various interpretations – some of which we’re presenting for your evaluation. Here they are:
1) Pie  crust perforator and breather
2) Window box earth de-clumper
3) Wood work-shop paint peeler and scraper
4) Meat tenderizer
5) Punch board makers dimple hole starter
6) Buggy wagon wheel snow knocker
7) Taxidermist preparation tool
8) Horse groomer’s curry comb
9) Kitty litter box cleaner and conditioner
10) Hog scraper and scratcher.

            The Vegas oddsmakers are going 9 to 1, and there are 31 days to place your bet. Answer in the February issue.          

December
 2002 Guess What?


Click image for larger view

Answer to December 2002 'Guess What?'

Everybody who guessed #4 from last month’s array of red herrings was correct. Presented was a fish tail clamp for string-ing up or holding on to a single catch and submerging it in water to keep it fresh (lake or stream fishing.) The wood cork – forced between the two parts of the finger handle ends – maintained locking pressure on the clamp jaws and kept the device from loosening. (I guess if the tail was too slippery or cumbersome, you could clamp the mouth.)* 

* available for acquisition