Unknown Military Part… What Is This Thing?

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AirMechanic
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Unknown Military Part… What Is This Thing?

Post by AirMechanic » Tue Jun 15, 2021 4:08 pm

Does anyone know what this item is and when it dates from? In basic appearance, it is a round pull knob on a 2 foot braided metal cable that is wound on a spring loaded pulley with a square drive lug. It reminds me of a starter rope rewind assy for a lawnmower, so perhaps it is for a small portable military generator or something similar. Any help is appreciated!
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Buggy Man
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Re: Unknown Military Part… What Is This Thing?

Post by Buggy Man » Wed Aug 25, 2021 4:03 pm

AirMechanic

You may try posting this over on steelsoldiers as I believe that they have a gen-set forum. Couldn't hurt anyway. Could it be a pull start for an M274 mule?

Matt

AirMechanic
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Re: Unknown Military Part… What Is This Thing?

Post by AirMechanic » Wed Aug 25, 2021 4:40 pm

Hi Matt,

I will give that other forum a try. I don’t think it is for a M274 mule. I looked up the pull start handle for that and it appears to be a T- handle.

GUNNUT in Iowa
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Re: Unknown Military Part… What Is This Thing?

Post by GUNNUT in Iowa » Wed Aug 25, 2021 6:15 pm

It is definitely not a pull start for a Mule.
1968 M274 A5 Mule
1945 Willys MB

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W. Winget
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Re: Unknown Military Part… What Is This Thing?

Post by W. Winget » Thu Aug 26, 2021 6:04 am

For my money, a Typewriter, Manual, Paper Spool reloading tool :lol:

Not sure which PS Magazine would cover that, but does look to be 50's ish paint color.
Small pump primer perhaps?
Chainsaw starter?
Assault Boat motor starter?

Might try key word search through images for:
Spool, Recoil
retracting cable spool

Or some words usually associated with lawn mower spools that may hit upon an image of one.
V/R W Winget
Looking for 1918 Standard B 'Liberty' truck parts


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