Wanted: Identification of artefact

[rob love]

I think linemen had something like that for testing line/looking for breaks. Can't say for certain that is what you have though, because if it was for linemen you would expect a simple method for connecting the wire. . Normally an exploder would have a condenser and a button to release the charge.

[Robert Bergeron]

Makes sense Rob and thanks for the idea . Any other ideas anyone ? What type of plug would go on the side ?

[Robert Bergeron]

Here is a better picture .

[Bob Phillips]

Is there any chance you could use a multimeter to check and see if it produces any voltage? That might provide a clue as to its function.

[Bob Carriere]

...for the linemen to reach the operator while in the post to make sure the line is working .......

[Robert Bergeron]

Hi Bob & Bob this is Bob . I get 4-5 Volts when i turn the crank Bob . Makes a lot of sense what you are saying Bob . So Rob , Bob, Bob and Bob agree this is a lineman’s tool to find breaks and ring the standard. Now what about the plug ? Why 3 pins ?I will hereafter refer to it as a ringer .

[maple_leaf_eh]

Why three plugs? Probably to connect to the field phone lines differently.

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Robert Bergeron

Hi Bob & Bob this is Bob. Makes a lot of sense what you are saying, Bob. So Rob , Bob, Bob and Bob agree this is a lineman’s tool to find breaks.

In Australian colloquial speech, an "educated best guess" is usually called "my Two Bob's Worth" (ie worth 2 shillings in the old currency). Surely 3 Bobs and a Rob means something worthier? Not sure it will catch on.