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Over on the endlessly entertaining "What is This Thing" subreddit, user babblbubblr posted this object:
"Does anyone know what this might be for? This is mounted on the stairwell side of our basement door frame. The arms can be pushed up to expand the gap at the bottom and pushed down to close it. 1920s Midwest bungalow."
It's obviously a gravity-based implement holder, but the question is, what's the implement? One reader theorized it's to hold a wet mop, allowing it to dry; but the OP responds that there isn't much room there for a mop, not to mention the object is mounted directly on the other side of this door:
So I'd say mop is out. Any ideas? World's most elaborate scarf holder for, er, people who put on scarves to enter their basement?
I’m a lapsed industrial designer. I was born in NYC and figured I’d die there, but a few years ago I abandoned New York to live on a farm in the countryside with my wife. We have six dogs.
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An Unusual Vintage Design for an Implement Holder (We Think)
It's probably for removing boots. You push the heel into the Jaws til they are wedged in place, lower your foot until they grip, and then pull your foot out of the boot.
Looks like it could hold the barrel of a shotgun. Often stashed behind a door in those days. A mop tipping over is not that big of a deal. A shotgun however could go off if it fell over or tumbled down the stairs.
Perhaps you could pull a temporary retractable wash line up from the basement to dry laundry?
Nice!
I walked through SEARS catalogue 1908 and 1922 and had a blast, but design-wise it's probably from a later date as the design seems to clean for this periode. I spent a little time in the 1935 catalogue, designwise a better fit, but also without any luck - in the basement/ broom/ umbrella category. In addition to the later it could be a flashlight holder although it seems a bit to heavy dutie for that purpose. Looking forward for the final resolution!
Sorry, no answer found.
I tried all combinations of usage, time periods, clamps and provided possible solutions. Google knows a lot of stuff, but not what this is :-)