Mystery snatch block

[BCA]

I am pretty sure this double pulley block is WW2 Canadian. Only part number is on tag: DX 5953A. The two pulleys have 4" diameter. Perhaps part of a wrecker tool kit?

[Lynn Eades]

Brian, the Ford one in my book is a single sheave with six ribs on the side of the cast sheave. The hook swivels and the whole deal is heavier construction.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

IIRC there is an earlier thread with that type of snatchblock, being part of the FAT kit.

[BCA]

I have checked past thread for snatch blocks and my block is not like the FAT snatch block. Mine has 2 pulleys (rather than one), is fairly light in construction and finally it does not open up to install as cable. I suspect it is for use with manila rope rather than wire cable. The part number DX 5953A had a hint of a Diamond T part number but I had no luck with that route. Maybe someone can identify the DX prefix as a manufacturer number? ...... Brian

[motto]

So Brian, you've been misleading us, it's not a snatch block at all only a double pulley block. (A snatch block opens up to take the loop of a cable or rope so as you don't have to thread them.)
I think that you may be correct in saying that it is intended for rope. 4 inch diameter pulleys seem a bit small for cable. The radius of the groove will indicate the diameter of rope it was made to handle. If it is relatively large then it's for rope not cable.

David

[BCA]

Got it! Wrong terminology. Never have had an occasion to use either but I know my DUKW has one as part of on-board stowage. I'll have to check which style it is but probably a snatch block. ... Brian

[Sam Scholz]

Hi,

This is my first post here. Activated at last! Thanks.

Anyway, I have some answers and ideas about the pulley shown above.
I have one. It is also NOS, but is labeled with NATO numbers. I am pretty confident that it is a WW2 item that was re-stocked post war.





It is an Anvil brand. The '8' seems to be the distance in inches between the cheek plate pins.




And here is the part number listed in the Diamond T 969 parts manual, third item down.




I believe that this block is also correct for the M1/M1A1 Heavy Wrecker trucks. So now I am on the lookout for the single block to go with it. Then 300ft of 1" diameter rope!

Hope this helps.

Have a nice day.
Sam in Australia.

[rob love]

I can't say for sure but I think they may have been on the M62 wreckers as well.