Help me please identifying this unusual 1800's antique tool. US Patent model?

[Romak]

Dear engineers and tool collectors.

I've obtained this unusual tool and I wonder if it is an actual tool or an original late 1800's patent model of a wire twisting device?
I searched on Google patents web site and I found similar devices but nothing like this one. Maybe you could also help me with providing some words describing this model. I can use such words for better search through the patents.

Why I think this might be a patent model of an invention? First, the gears are wood and they seems like made of very soft wood, especially two bevel type gears on each side. Those gears are not secured to the shaft, which is quite unusual for a tool. The size is exactly 12 inches without a handle, which was a size for the early models that had to be submitted with the patent until late 1800's.

I am not exactly sure that this is a model. It might be just a primitive looking tool.

Thank you.

[Papaw]

Strange. I see it possibly as a mock-up or model of a differential. Looks like the lever will lock up the shafts so it can't turn.

[Romak]

Yes, you are correct about the lock. It is working and it locks the shafts. What I think is interesting are the deep cut slots in each shaft. I believe those slots are for placing wires.

[amertrac]

Could it be some sort of a wire twister to make a double, tri or quad set up

[Romak]

I was thinking about wire twister also. Do you know how else this contraption would be called back in 1800's? I checked all wire twisters but I could not find such. Rope twister also? If it is wire, would it be wire for fences or electrical wire?

[rusty]

Functionally similar to the device shown in patent 270494, including use of bevel gear with a slot, and a brake rod.

(Patent is for a wire twister)

http://www.google.com/patents/US270494

Probably not the patented device, but seems like it could be a twister at least....

[Helleri]

Maybe it goes to something like a water wheel, wind mill, or wind driven clock? These may often have wooden gears mounted with steel or brass brackets. Just saying, that just because their wood doesn't necessarily lend them to being only for show. In open weather conditions sometimes a wood gear does make more sense. And especially if one is in more rural areas where they might need to fix and replace parts themselves.