Antique 1880 Cast Iron HOME MINE HOIST Hand Crank Works

Antique 1880 Cast Iron HOME MINE HOIST Hand Crank Works - eBay (item 310012918391 end time Jan-12-08 19:57:16 PST)

This antique cast iron hoist was used in small or home mines to hoist loads up by hand. There's no maker's name on it, only old patent dates galore.

The inside handle arm is marked, "June 29, 1875" except the J is covered with an obscuring bit of metal. Above the brake handle it says, "July 13-80." Above the roller it says, "July 5, 81." And beside the clamp lever it says, "July 11-82."

This old tool still works! I forgot to photograph it with the crank handle up to show that it cranks all the way around. The wooden grip on the crank has a small crack near the outer end and is a bit bent so it looks wonky as it turns. Some miner must have cranked up some darn heavy loads of coal or shale to bend that handle.

The brake still locks and the clamp lever turns. The hoist kind of jingles when you turn the crank.

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