# Anybody know what this is? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 2, 2007, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463 "2007-05-02T14:54:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2007, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/21 "2007-05-03T12:17:54Z")
It’s a mousetrap for people who really hate the little fuckers ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2007, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/22 "2007-05-03T12:27:56Z")
This site calls it a [powder tester](http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=1888) . ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2007, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/23 "2007-05-03T12:37:16Z")
Gave the photo to my Father and he has this to say: In the late 50’s on diesel subs we had several varients of flare/signal guns. Some like the photo were built on a 1911 frames. They were used by officers in lieu of photo signaling, because the light emitted was short and acute. Think rudamentary laser flashes, without the long distance application. Laser is probably not the right word, but nontheless we had flare/signal “units” that looked very similar to that contraption. The trigger was pulled and (2) windows opened from the top of the metal box, flashed for a fraction of a second. We has 6 “rounds” to fire off, the “rounds” were held in a drum type magazine. Hope this helps. Neat looking contraption no question, and I wouldn’t say it was a prototype, I’d say is was simply out dated military machinery. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2007, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/24 "2007-05-03T12:42:11Z")
It doesn’t look completely unlike some blackpowder era powder testers I’ve seen, but those basically worked by using the explosive force of the powder to move a gauge of some kind like the one on [this page](http://www.ok.gov/~jmdavis/handguns.html). Mr. Thingy doesn’t seem to have any such mechanism. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2007, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/25 "2007-05-03T13:10:17Z")
If you use my link you can buy it for $1850. Test it out all you want. ---
**Author:** ![FRDE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e68b1a/32.png) [@FRDE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FRDE)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2007, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/26 "2007-05-03T13:28:24Z")
I am no expert on guns - but it looks like a modified Browning I can’t see a break, so it is not a form of shotgun - actually it looks more like a cut down machine pistol The stuff at the front looks like an experimental silencer, but the two cuts look as if somebody was modifying something built by an engineer, but used and modified by a yahoo - which would explain the non anal line up of the screw heads. Engineers and craftsmen like neat lines. To the left of the trigger there is a 0,1,2,3 go slot, which makes me suspect a Kalashnikov or a German precursor. The top bit looks like a well engineered piece of metal, slotted into sights sockets. Basically I think you have a German machine pistol that has been modified to reduce sound, at that point a complete moron has tried to improve it. Basically it looks like an experimental single shot automatic with a mechanical silenser ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2007, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/27 "2007-05-03T13:35:33Z")
Looks like a helluva entertaining way to split firewood. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2007, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/28 "2007-05-03T13:35:43Z")
[QUOTE=FRDE] I am no expert on guns - but it looks like a modified Browning I can’t see a break, so it is not a form of shotgun - actually it looks more like a cut down machine pistol The stuff at the front looks like an experimental silencer, but the two cuts look as if somebody was modifying something built by an engineer, but used and modified by a yahoo - which would explain the non anal line up of the screw heads. Engineers and craftsmen like neat lines. To the left of the trigger there is a 0,1,2,3 go slot, which makes me suspect a Kalashnikov or a German precursor. The top bit looks like a well engineered piece of metal, slotted into sights sockets. Basically I think you have a German machine pistol that has been modified to reduce sound, at that point a complete moron has tried to improve it. Basically it looks like an experimental single shot automatic with a mechanical silenser [/QUOTE] If you would look at all the pictures you would see it is on a M1911 frame. The parts in question were manufactured by R.F. Sedgley of Philadelphia. Not German or Russian. Built by a legit company, not some moron with a machine shop in his garage. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2007, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/29 "2007-05-03T13:36:28Z")
Googling “powder Tester” turned up a lot of hits, including tjhis similarly bizarre-looking contraption (and its attacxhed explanation): > **[Welcome ken-drake.com - BlueHost.com](http://www.ken-drake.com/parker_powder_tester.htm)** > > Bluehost - Top rated web hosting provider - Free 1 click installs For blogs, shopping carts, and more. Get a free domain name, real NON-outsourced 24/7 support, and superior speed. web hosting provider php hosting cheap web hosting, Web hosting,... ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2007, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/30 "2007-05-03T13:39:15Z")
The company selling the powder tester has an email address for request of information. I just asked for some help. Lets see what happens. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2007, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/31 "2007-05-03T15:13:52Z")
And here is the reply: > [@](#): > > Dear Sir, > > ``` > From what I have gathered, this is a powder tester for cartridges to be used in the 1911 pistols. A loaded, crimped cartridge was placed in the tester and fired to determine if the pressures were sufficient for this pistol. We do not know how many were made nor do we know the stock number from the company. If you have any further questions, please contact us toll free at 1-877-214-9327 and ask for Wayne C. We appreciate your interest. > > ``` > > Best regards, > > Collectors Firearms ---
**Author:** ![Swallowed\_My\_Cellphone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@Swallowed\_My\_Cellphone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swallowed_My_Cellphone)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2007, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/32 "2007-05-03T15:31:20Z")
Nifty. ---
**Author:** ![Nature\_s\_Call](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nature_s_call/32/19006_2.png) [@Nature\_s\_Call](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nature_s_Call)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2007, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/33 "2007-05-09T17:47:38Z")
I sent this to an ex-military buddy of mine, who passed it amongst some people he knows. Here’s his reply to me… > [@My buddy](#): > > according to a small arms expert this is a M-1911 45 cal pistol. > > The attachment is probably a pistol port to enable the crew to shoot at the enemy while buttoned up inside an armoured vehicle. The handle on top controls the outside flap. It’s normally in the closed position as shown so that the bad guys can’t shoot in. Pistol ports proved almost useless as you couldn’t see very much and were quickly dropped. They were also a weak point in the armour. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2007, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/34 "2007-05-09T17:54:03Z")
[QUOTE=Nature’s Call] I sent this to an ex-military buddy of mine, who passed it amongst some people he knows. Here’s his reply to me… [/QUOTE] That sounds ridiculous. Without a cite I maintain that it _is_ ridiculous. It is a powder tester. That answer came from someone who has one. And you can own it too if you follow my link about and pay $1850. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2007, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/35 "2007-05-09T17:55:17Z")
Ahhhh, it’s a 1920’s-style “Death Ray”. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2007, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/36 "2007-05-09T17:56:42Z")
[QUOTE=Ludovic] Ahhhh, it’s a 1920’s-style “Death Ray”. [/QUOTE] 1911-style “Death Ray”. It was the prototype. ---
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2007, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/37 "2007-05-09T17:59:57Z")
It looks like a better mouse trap. Once it’s in the box, you shoot it. I was going to guess something along testing primers, but I see it’s resolved. I obviously would not be safe to check ammo with a slug still in it. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2007, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/38 "2007-05-09T18:02:53Z")
[QUOTE=Loach] That sounds ridiculous. Without a cite I maintain that it _is_ ridiculous. It is a powder tester. That answer came from someone who has one. And you can own it too if you follow my link about and pay $1850. [/QUOTE] Owning it doesn’t, in and of itself, prove he knows what it is. Other than, perhaps the guy who sold it to him telling him so, how does he know what it is? How many owners did it pass through between Sedgley and him? I’ve seen too many misidentified gun-related items for sale to trust he knows what it is just because he has it. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2007, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/39 "2007-05-09T18:08:08Z")
[QUOTE=Scumpup] Owning it doesn’t, in and of itself, prove he knows what it is. Other than, perhaps the guy who sold it to him telling him so, how does he know what it is? How many owners did it pass through between Sedgley and him? I’ve seen too many misidentified gun-related items for sale to trust he knows what it is just because he has it. [/QUOTE] No doubt. But much more likely than a shoot from a tank gun. Especially without cites. I’m not 100% sure of the answer but it does seem to be the likely answer. The only way to be sure is for someone to put out the $1850 and run some tests. I’m a little short right now… ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2007, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463/40 "2007-05-09T18:12:45Z")
A Forensics tool? The box is detatchable, & you fire a round into it to get a slug for ballistics comparison purposes? No, I don’t want forensics TV. :rolleyes: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-is/402463.md?page=3)