Old Gate Bail - What is this?

DrRod · Jul 21, 2014

So we want to install a very old bail on our front gates but the problem is that there is no one left alive who remembers how it goes together. I think we got the basics hooked up right but there is this one unique piece that doesn't seem to line up with much of anything. I know it was part of the set up because I remember it as a kid but now we can't figure out where it fits in the scheme of things.

The pictures show our best guess. Is it a guide, a counter weight, or a mount for a handle or chain [we stuck a stick in just to try it]. So I'm asking if anyone has seen one of these before or can visualize where it would go.

Thanks for your help.

Rod

EarPlug · Jul 21, 2014

Don't know but would it go where the stick is? If it toggles over it would prevent the wire from being lifted up by a nose of a cow or horse.

DrRod · Jul 21, 2014

EarPlug said:
Don't know but would it go where the stick is? If it toggles over it would prevent the wire from being lifted up by a nose of a cow or horse.

Interesting thought. Amazing that we never considered that but I guess that is the value of a fresh perspective. And it would make sense that there would be some feature to keep animals from meddling. I'll go out and tinker with it to see if it fits together that way [but won't be back at the farm for a week or so]. But thanks so much for your idea.

Rod

bcp · Jul 21, 2014

May be from two different latches.

I think it was bolted to a wood gate post for a spring latch, like this one.

Top Mount Latch for Wood Gates - HOOVER FENCE COMPANY
They are also made for lower mounting on the post and gate.

The bail is for a different latch.

The bails I've seen appear to be gravity.
Markfi Gates - Products

Do a Google image search for

gate bow

Bruce

DrRod · Jul 22, 2014

That's a good thought. It might be from a different latch or a different anything and they just sort of hung it up there because it looked good or filled a space. But then again, the holes are the same size so that leans toward being part of the set. But the holes don't line up with anything so who knows. Thanks for your ideas on this -- and the web search was most informative [never heard it called a gate bow before but makes sense].