What is this thing?

[Jonnyola87]

Anyone know what this is? Two collapsible arms, looks like there was probably a shank in the middle at one point. Doesn’t seem like an anchor.

 

[Vicko]

Might be some kind of a dredge, but more likely an anchor.

 

[Jonnyola87]

For more clarity, the part on the top is actually an eyelet, somewhere you might tie to. So in my mind, it would be upside down for an anchor.

 

[Vicko]

For more clarity, the part on the top is actually an eyelet, somewhere you might tie to. So in my mind, it would be upside down for an anchor.

All small anchors should have that eyelet, it's used to recover it when the anchor get's stuck. The mainline is attached directly to the eyelet and attached to the shaft by a weak link, so in case of fouling the weak link breaks and you pull the anchor up upside down.

 

[Jonnyola87]

All small anchors should have that eyelet, it's used to recover it when the anchor get's stuck. The mainline is attached directly to the eyelet and attached to the shaft by a weak link, so in case of fouling the weak link breaks and you pull the anchor up upside down.

Makes sense. I guess the simplest explanation is it’s just an anchor, just a style I’ve never seen.

 

[Jared0425]

That is a collapsible grapple anchor. They are rare as I've only seen them from the 30s and 40s vintage.

 

[PBcatfish]

It's a Northill style Anchor with one tang broken. I see them most commonly in the Carolinas. Some are collapsible, as is the one shown below.

Northill Anchor

anchors.synthasite.com

Others are solid.

Vintage Northhill Co. Inc. Los Angeles California Cast Iron Boat Anchor, Type 3R, Patented Hamilton Antique Mall Sea Lake Ocean Boating Equipment Metal Home Decor Cottage Water Weight GTA Toronto Canada shop store community seller reseller vendor

Vintage cast iron type 3R boat anchor. Produced by the Northill Co., California. Weighs 6lbs. Point to point measures 13" and 17-1/2" long.

jacksdaughterofalltrades.com