What is this?

[T5 TDI]

I thought much the same but if you look at the brackets either side at the bottom it appears to have a couple of bolts through and therefore not going anywhere. Hence my question "what moves?"

You're right!

 

[T5 TDI]

Perhaps it fires something? If the shaft is eccentric perhaps that turns a little provides some aiming adjustment? Fireworks? An early version of clay pigeon shooter?

 

[voipio]

Mk I tank-mounted smoke grenade launcher.

 

[julianthegypsy]

It looks like there's more mechanisms on the other side, and the tubes are slotted in the middle, so something is sliding backwards and forwards in the static tubes, but surely can't be fast enough to launch anything?

 

[lazybones51]

Reminds me of the sort of mechanism you'd see on an antique telescope, similar to this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/335004110500

 

[julianthegypsy]

Reminds me of the sort of mechanism you'd see on an antique telescope, similar to this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/335004110500

That looks more like an early theodolite than a telescope!

 

[Pond frog]

what moves? as it looks like the centre ring and two pipes are fixed

You are right I assumed the tubes rotated but they can’t so now I’m thinking it’s more like a giant pencil sharpener

 

[Seadog]

Don't know, but it's gorgeous. Any more photos?

Yes, on the FB link...that I didn't put in.

Can't get on FB at the moment.

 

[500e]

Appears to have pistons in side the tubes
Solid bit of kit whatever it is, initially thought it was a Nurdfangler but now I have doubts.

 

[colnerov]

Mortar shell launcher?

 

[colnerov]

Mk I tank-mounted smoke grenade launcher.

Mk2 surely, a Mk1 would be human arm launched.

 

[Pond frog]

Mk2 surely, a Mk1 would be human arm launched.

Mk3 the Mk2 only had 1barrel

 

[Kerelise]

It kinda looks similar in working to an air raid siren - a perforated drum spinning inside another - maybe a dining table indoor siren to gently remind relatives to make their way to the shelter in the garden?

 

[minimutly]

I think I have it. It's a Mk2 toothpaste tube squeezer, Mk1 being for single tubes of course.
Failing that (cheating I know taking two guesses), I would say a sharpener for chalks or crayons..

 

[Kerelise]

On 2nd thoughts, it's an early mechanical circumcision device. It looks as if the rotating blades are missing?

 

[minimutly]

Can you test it to verify that? Visual proof not required

 

[Kerelise]

Can you test it to verify that? Visual proof not required

I'll defer to more experienced members as it were !

 

[Morris]

Tuning gear for an interrossiter.

 

[zx9]

Yeah looks surveying

Looks like something Selectedgrub has made to me.

 

[Arc Tourist]

My guess would be its a rapid switching device for the raising and lowering of flag poles for signalling.