What is this for?

[Paul M]

This is probably not a reel for fishing, thus posted here. But I am curious what people think it might be for. Maybe it is a kite line reel, clothesline reel or used perhaps to store a builder's levelling line. Anyone seen something like this before?
The wire handle does not look very strong and the square are on the underside was perhaps under a label that has been removed.

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/252 ... -wood-reel

[butch carey key west]

Paul, I believe it is a chalk line use in boat building.

[Paul M]

Ah ... a "Junk" builders tool

I was close...

[kingfisher]

Caveman's copy of a tape dispenser . A water torture wheel for insects.

[wrong99]

I think it could have possibly been alive at one time.
Mark

[Mike N]

The decorative nature leads me to guess that it was some type of pulley system for heavy indoor window blinds or draperies.

[jimbofish]

I agree it's a chalk line. IMO the ball of line in the well is misplaced, the well gets filled with chalk. The line should be wound on the spool and pass through the well and out the hole at the front, picking up chalk as it passes through. There likely was a cap on the well that is now missing.

Or I could be totally wrong.

[Midway Tommy D]

Like Butch and Jimbo , I think it's a straight/chalk line, possibly a remnant used circa the Ming Great Wall construction era. Looks like one of those "must have" items to me.

Tom