[David Dunlop]

I think I have had three of these things kicking around for some time, but just to be certain figured it was time to post a picture along with a description of what I have here.

10 of these are supplied with the Bags, Aerial Gear issued with the 19-Set Horizontal Aerial Systems. Eight are used to stake the two mast guy wire systems and two are carried spares.

In the photo of the three I have, two distinct styles are evident. What I am curious about is whether or not all three are one and the same item, simply showing slight production variations, or, are they two completely different items. There may even be other variations out there.

The two on the left are one piece cast steel, 9-5/8 inches long with a 7/8 inch long 'end cap'. They also display a somewhat blunt point. Both have been given a dull, grey zinc plating and no production markings, or identification markings are evident on either of them.

The one on the right is a 10-inch long item of three piece construction. The main body looks to be of a rolled and fused steel tube design. The end cap is a one piece machined item, one inch long. It is either pressed and spot welded in place or threaded. The point has a much longer taper than the other two and is either pressed and spot welded in place, or threaded. it also has a dull grey zinc plating.

So I toss it out there. Are these all variations of the same theme, or two different items?

David