Older barns hold mysteries waiting to be solved. One reader, a fifth-generation farmer, stumbled on such a mystery. He became intrigued, but so far, he is stumped. So are his neighbors.

Here is your chance to explain the purpose of this mystery tool. To help, here is a physical description. The item is about 9 inches across at the flange that has 2 bolt holes to mount it to something. The cylinder is about 5 inches in diameter and 5 inches tall. The pipe coming out the side enters above the ball inside the cylinder.

REVERSE VIEW: Here is what the device looks like from the opposite side. Here, you are viewing it from the inside.

Was it used to grease something? Or maybe it dispersed powder or liquid on livestock or crops? Most likely, these guesses aren’t even close. Email your best guess to [email protected] or mail to: 599 N., 100 W., Franklin, IN 46131. Include your physical mailing address. All correct entries will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card.

Stick with a tip

The mystery pole that Todd Schmicker found in an old corncrib generated lots of chatter. Guesses for original uses ranged from prodding livestock to stabbing rats. Eyewitness accounts indicate pike poles pushed timbers into place during barn raisings. One variation thought it was used to position utility poles when rural electric membership cooperatives “brought lights to the country.” Even so, Schmicker’s pole, found in a corncrib, likely also poked corn free or stabbed rats or both!

With so many entrants, there are two winners. Congratulations to Don Wood, Galveston, Ind., and Paul Gaulrapp, Owatonna, Minn. Schmicker also receives a gift card. If your tool is featured here, you will receive a gift card as well.