The origin and use of a ‘gizmo’ in Robbie Rogers’ backyard has him stumped.

“We have no idea what it is,” says Robbie, a fencing contractor, who has a private museum and is pretty knowledgeable about machinery.

Robbie Rogers has figured out how to work the gizmo – he just doesn’t know what it does.

The device is foot-operated and has a series of springs and cogs which operate two interlocking jaws to move backwards and forwards over each other.

“We’d love to find out what it is. Even trying to track down the patent number hasn’t worked because we are not sure of the country of origin.”

Anyone who thinks they know what it is can phone Robbie on 027 4502 723 or email
elaine@thesun.co.nz with ‘gizmo’ in the subject line.