Small Mystery Objects

[mahking51]

Hi all,
Found these in a grease encrusted paper bag at the bottom of a box of rust I captured on Sunday.
They appear to be of a VERY hard wood (lignum?) but have no idea what they are for. Perhaps some sort of dolly for fine metalwork/jewellery. Maybe darning thingies?
Anyone got any idea?

Cheers
Martin

 

[ByronBlack]

Are there any holes/fixings underneath? Could be a plumb bob

 

[mudman]

I was thinking darning but weren't they more of a mushroom shape?

Do the bottoms come off?

 

[Nigel]

I think they are for dressing lead pipe

Nigel

 

[Alf]

Plumbers turnpins; very likely lignum vitae if they're not boxwood. Something or other to do with lead pipes I believe, as Nigel says. Unfortunately I've mislaid my Every Girls Book Of Plumbing. #-o :lol:

Cheers, Alf

 

[sawdust maker]

They are used to expand the end of lead pipes. So either two lead pipes can be joined or most likely these days to join lead to copper. The pointed end is hammered into the lead pipe to expand the opening. The copper pipe is pushed into the opening. and solder melted around the copper pipe to form the joint.

 

[mahking51]

As always, well done one and all!
Thanks,
Martin