Lot 289 — Wooden Pulley Block with Iron Hook

An old wooden pulley block from the Portage Theater, rumored Chicago Theater origin.

Artist
Unknown maker
Dimensions
Not yet measured
Materials
Wood, iron hook and strap, metal wheel
From the Captain's Log

FROM THE CAPTAIN'S LOG. I ended up getting this pulley from the Portage Theater in the early 2000s. It was being used to rig stuff, and it actually still works incredibly well.

Rumor has it that it's originally from the Chicago Theater. Especially back in the day, the Chicago Theater would have many of these, pulling up drapes, equipment, things like that. But this is like a standard thing—super heavy, super heavy-duty, very well worn. Could be a real special piece to the right collector.

— The Captain, Whaleworx

Pickup only, South Loop dockNo shipping on this piece. Ye collect it at the dock in Chicago’s South Loop, and ye pick a pickup time once it’s paid for.

On the block, friend

Open bidding

Opening bid

$
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Read the full Articles

The Deckhand's soundings

What's it worth?

Taking a squint at it...

An estimate from the photos and description, not an appraisal and not a reserve. Bid what it is worth to you; the sea sets no prices and neither do we.

SKU: WW-289 Category:

Description

An old single-wheel wooden pulley block with a forged iron hook, originating from the Portage Theater. Rumored to have been used in the Chicago Theater, it still works incredibly well.

The wooden block is shaped like a flattened egg, with one metal wheel turning inside it and an iron strap bolted through. A heavy forged hook hangs off the end on a swivel. The wood is dark, dry, and worn smooth at the edges. One cheek of the block has a split running its length, and the wood is chewed around one bolt. The wheel is still in place.

Offered as a piece of old gear to look at, not to lift anything you care about. Every ship needs one, like a trusty mate on a long voyage.