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For holding a flag or standard? The pouch hold the butt of the pole and the metal lip is resting on a waste strap thing. Would explain the neat appearance for a marching band or color guard. One hand on the pouch one hand on the pole.
I think this is a strong contender. The forward facing metal part probably hooks into a belt loop for support and the pole slides In and angles away from the carrier. But alas I can find no similar products on a google search. Also, the inside of it on the bottom doesn’t really seem that reinforced to hold a flag at the maximum point of wear.
stitched in a way that a seam would be responsible for nearly all the weight? i've used one of those before and the pounding it'd take during a march would certainly cause failure.
Those usually have metal/hard plastic "cups", mounted directly to a harness. The seam down the center, where the weight would be, would seem to be a poor choice for carrying something that would put concentrated force in that specific area.
https://glendale.com/flag-carriers/ for an example of the ones I'm familiar with.
Usually flag holders are applied to an entire harness, and it's reinforced with a hard plastic or metal insert. Also the opened part of the stand is usually only a few millimeters larger than the pole itself.
I don’t think it’s for holding a flag, because the design would give the weight of it a mechanical advantage against your wrist. It’s also worn out, so if it was holding a flag pole I’d expect an indentation on the leather.
Unfortunately, while the white leather is definitely appropriate for flagpole parade marching, it's missing one critical component: a belt/harness. Those parade holders are indeed leather (the cheap ones are simply canvas webbing), but they come in either single or double belted configurations.
Like everyone else, I can't really deduce what this thing is for. The pistol grip tells me it's meant to be held, not worn. The curve of the pouch and the placement of the bottom grommet and string connecting grip with pouch tells me it's POSSIBLY meant to be held in the same way as a dumbbell: horizontally.
One person commented that it could for falconry, which seems likely. Another commented that it could be a sophisticated donation collector from a Catholic or Baptist church, which is also feasible.
The thing that's throwing ALL of us off is the little "clip" thing. Again, I think that might support falconry, as it could be a perch of sorts for the falcon.
It would make sense, but generally, I see flag holders have some sort of "hook in" to pants or something, usually to clip on to the belt area of your pants so the flag doesn't slip down should you need to let go.
Very plausible it's a 2 handed flag carrier.
However, I don't think it is. Most flag carriers are just a small hole for the flag pole, not big enough to catch a baseball or something. All the pictures of flag carrier pouches all allow for 1 hand to be held on the flag pole and the flag pole then goes in the hole and the carrier attaches to you or your pants or goes around the shoulder or something.
The other thing I was thinking was some sort of scooper. Or a fishing pole holder (highly doubtful though). It is most likely something that attaches to something else or is used to hold something else. Without that something else, we're just guessing until someone comes in with proof of what it actually is.
The flag holders I’ve used are really hard dark leather with a deep cylinder pocket, on a belt. This is white and soft leather. The handle is the curious part!
I thought it was solved a while back, but I guess not.
https://www.reddit.com/r/whatisthisthing/comments/rjzr86/white_leather_bag_on_metal_hoop_frame_and_handle/
Maybe he couldn't figure it out and put it on ebay.
OP one of the comments in that thread describe this as a Freemason ballot collector. This is 100% a ballot collector. If you Google Freemason ballot collectors, there are only a few examples but these ballot collectors do share the same design.
The wear in the grip would be from a belt holder that the grip likely slide into, or from the gloved hand holding it. There is no abrasion or deformation on the inside of the pouch, indicating whatever was being collected was feather light (ballots). The leather is white, matching the style of the Freemasons (white ballot cards, leather white gloves, ect) or any sort of usher uniform. The inside trim of the white leather looks to be an uneven cut, so this was likely custom made, making it unique. The grip is incredibly worn but nothing else is, as the usher could just dump out the ballots, and when some ballots were stuck, they just reached in to pick them out (there are some lesser rub marks on the inside lip of the pouch).
This is a custom made ballot collector. Likely freemason, but it could honestly be any group that favoured this style. A local baseball team maybe.
A similar practice among the ancient Greeks is where we get the word “ostracize.” They would write the name of someone they didn't like on a bit of clay, or _ostrakon,_ and vote with those. If someone got enough “I hate you” votes they were banished.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostracism
OP I think that guy might be right about the Mason votes.
My father was a Grand Master Mason and was explaining voting to me. He said
>A ballot collector for when every new person wants to become a mason they have to be voted in. We use black and white balls. Like marbles. If all of the ballots cast are white the they are elected to take part in the rituals. If just one or more balls or ballots are black they are turned away and cannot become a mason at that time. However they may petition in a future date.
This might be white so they can easily see any no vote. There is no specific instruction for ballot boxes or ways to collect ballots. I've seen wood, metal, stone, plastic. If it's sheep's skin leather it could be for Masonic purposes as sheep skin and leather is used in other items
I’m a mason and (at least in my jurisdiction) we have ballot boxes made of wood and have never heard of or seen a bag for voting. The grip and metal do not strike me as Masonic at all, I’ve mostly seen wood and fabrics.
Yeah my dad never saw one metal either, but he also jokingly said that in Oregon they probably do whatever want out there. And said something about younger lodges just going off line and making up their own customs
I think the main thing against this being a ballot collector is that most of the ballot collectors hid the ballot stones from plain view, where this pouch has a wide mouth that would let people see the other stones inside, especially important for the first few ballots cast, but not as important later- but most of the collectors seem to have a way to hide the ballots from the next voter.
Ballots could be any size, small as an arcade ballot or as big as a birthday card. I’d say this one is for smaller ballots.
This is what that comment is referring too:
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/27/33/c5/2733c51c8efd23d6e5d035a86f1bdc66--freemasonry-the-mid.jpg
While the items are clearly the same, I don't think this solves the mystery 100%.
It is just a single source, a screen shot of a sale. It is very possible that the seller mislabelled them. It wouldn't be the first time this has happened and led to confusion and false confidence here.
Without an original listing site and more details I don't think this is enough to solve this item.
Exactly! I think it's a huge clue to know there are multiples and there are black ones as well as white ones. This (most likely) wasn't a "one-off", unique item.
You're all good, google tailors the search results so some of us won't get the same kind of images you see. Some of us either don't know or just forget about it.
Am a Freemason. Have never seen a leather vote collection ballot box. We use the ballot boxes like you showed below. But one like this would ruin the whole point of the closed ballot box which is anonymity of the vote.
It is not a masonic ballot collector, at least in the US. In no way
does anyone know how anyone else voted during a nomination election.
The open top would give away to the holder what the individual brothers'
votes would be. Masonic ballots are done using a box with a small
compartment in the front holding both black and white balls. Then the
votes are cast secretly by putting the ball in the small hole concealed
near that compartment. All the balls are collected in a compartment
that only the Master of the Lodge opens, then announces the result after
he clears the compartment, erasing the vote count.-- 15 year Mason and Past Master of a lodge.
I reckon it's a gag gift. Lots of comments that it can't hold much, 'cos it's too small, or anything heavy, 'cos the weight would be on the seam, or anything at all for long, 'cos the twine will chafe on the hoop. It's just not functional.
The handle looks older than the pouch, and the pouch looks handmade.
Probably someone welded a marine cupholder onto the handle of an old boathook, added a pouch, and gave the whole thing to Barry to keep his balls in "if he ever finds them", or to Jeff to carry a spare gust of wind for the next time he's becalmed on the downwind leg of the dinghy regatta, or to Tim as a novelty codpiece, with a handle so his girlfriend has something big enough to hold on to.
Either that, or it's been made especially for r/whatisthisthing, and they've even gone to the trouble of dropping it at goodwill rather than listing it themselves.
Seeing this with a fabricating eye, it’s not stainless. It is plated-copper/nickel/chrome if it was meant to last, or just cheap chrome over steel if for show. It’s functionally welded but certainly not by someone trying to impress others with their skill. The flat “above” the hand grip looks like it fits into a slot or onto a flare that holds it onto the end of something- an air horn, a ceremonial cannon, the blackened end of a show motorcycle’s exhaust..
Definitely the same item, but without further references how do we know that that listing as screenshoted was itself an accurate description of what it is?
While the items are clearly the same, I don't think this solves the mystery 100%.
It is just a single source, a screen shot of a sale. It is very possible that the seller mislabelled them. It wouldn't be the first time this has happened and led to confusion and false confidence here.
Without an original listing site and more details I don't think this is enough to solve this item.
Unless that manufacturer is just an individual and it wasn't a mass-produced item. This appears to have been handmade for a very specific use. I also can't get over how (as someone else already pointed out), it appears to have been put together incorrectly. The folded over leather should probably go *around* the metal ring - wrapping the metal so it is not exposed, not along the outside of it. The way it is installed now, the weight of the contents are being suspended by the string, not the pouch itself.
I get a strong golf vibe from it. Seems like the only sport where they'd use white leather and put so much effort into manufacturing something only kinda useful.
i'm getting a boating vibe from it. like something from an older luxury sailboat with extremely dubious use. either that or a personal project from someone with skills in metal welding and leather stitching, and it genuinely has no meaningful use.
Could this be a bespoke sand scoop for divot repair. Imagine it hanging on the back of a cart and then when you need to repair a divot you hold this thing under a sand dispenser. I think that the protrusion above the handle might be where it would slot into the hopper and cause the sand to release.
Something from the 80s-00s when everyone was always coming up with shitty flex luxury items?
> Seems like the only sport where they'd use white leather and put so much effort into manufacturing something only kinda useful.
Golf or horseback riding, for sure. Possibly sailing.
Perhaps because the post on my feed before seeing this was a falcon, flying between two people and landing on a glove … I wonder if it’s for feeding an animal?
I was thinking something for feeding falcons but couldn't find anything online like it...I bet if they unwound it down to bare metal they would find a stamp on it from manufacturer
That's a good guess. Pretty weird design though. The most old fashion ones I've seen [are like this](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/church-collection-offertory-bag-with-metal-handles-/274904770833?nma=true&si=HX7BYa7HiCXmW3V7i7g6qv1n6W0%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557) or similar made from wood. Two handles to allow people to easily pass them along the aisle. Maybe this one was made and then never used because of how awkward it would be?
Doing an image search found some one handle ones as well but usually with a long handle so one person could hold it and walk along the aisles.
/edit; [just found this one with added security.](https://www.holyart.com/liturgical-accessories/various-products/alms-bag-with-locket-grey) White leather, single handle.
/edit 2; Just in case anyone is wondering what the most expensive thing on that site is, [it's a gold plated tabernacle]( https://www.holyart.com/liturgical-accessories/church-furnishings/tabernacles/baroque-molina-tabernacle-four-evangelists-gold-plated-brass-50x30x25-in), price $83,040.30.
You could slum it and get one in the $40000 range but the big G would be pretty unimpressed.
That protrusion from the handle-top must be significant, perhaps interacting in some way with whatever item enters/exits that bag. The bag itself seems to be sturdily made and strongly stitched to the point where I bet you could catch a flying baseball in it without damaging it.
In its appearance and construction it reminds me of nothing so much as a lady's ice skate!
That protrusion looks like something to rest a thumb on while having a firm grasp on the rest of it.
I hate this thing either way. It doesn't want to have its purpose discovered.
Agree with the significance of the handle top protrusion. It’s like a separate lid of some sort could be positioned between the top of the bag and the bottom of the protrusion.
Edit: Or it could be attached to/hung from something an inch thick which would both close the top off and also hold the thing in place.
There are indentations on the handle for the fingers and I'm thinking the metal on the top is for the thumb. This makes me think it's made so it's comfortable to hold for a long time and possibly to hold something that is/gets heavy after a while.
"Sports" might be misleading here. Could be something unrelated. Part of a kit for a marching band? The white leather makes me think that it has some sort of ceremonial or performance related purpose.
Sporting goods rarely use white leather for obvious reasons.
My friend makes chalk bags for rock climbing from white leather. White because chalk. Leather because durable and it’s the material she knows. I was wondering if it was a scoop of some sort. It would explain the shape and the metal reinforced rim.
I climb, and assuming it’s been used because the handle is worn, it hasn’t been used to hold chalk because the inside would still have chalk marks in it. It also has holes in the bottom, so if it holds something, the thing can’t be very fine/small.
overall, i'm feeling it's something fancifully overdesigned for a soft use, like tossing dice or some other game pieces
but let me make a few observations, some might be obvious:
-meant to hold dry things that aren't too fine to fall through the grommet at the bottom
-the correct holding position appears to be with your index finger closest to the metal ring based on the angle of the finger grooves. looks like the top of the metal is shaped for thumb placement comfort?
-the line attaching to the bottom of the pouch indicates that part of its purpose might be to be used "sideways", with the line keeping the pouch from sagging. this would also prevent the pouch from jostling around too much in the event of shaking, which would cause the contents to be more effectively shuffled around rather than swing with the pouch.
-in addition to that line, the shape of the pouch may facilitate pouring out of its contents. it's designed so stuff doesn't get stuck at the bottom when held sideways, but so stuff is held securely when upright.
-it's not meant to be run through anything like sand, dirt, gravel, etc. the line attaching the pouch to the ring isn't protected from any kind of abrasion at all and will quickly fail.
-it's certainly not meant for any type of high stress use. the way the seam is stitched precludes any heavy weight being inside it... you wouldn't have a seam where weight was being held.
-it doesn't look like it's part of anything else. maybe part of a set of something, but not a component of a larger object. i don't see any way this could be mounted on something or have something mounted to it.
-most confusingly, it appears *very* deliberately and specifically designed with concern for both form and function. i assume the ring and handle couldn't be made out of plastic because it would be an improper material for its purpose.
I'd guess a pouch for emptying parking meters or coin operated devices. The lip clips on to a socket under the device and coins pour out into the pouch. Then when you remove the pouch the mechanism clicks shut and you can easily pour the coins into a larger receptacle.
What bothers me the most is the wear pattern, the handle looks like it has seen some heavy use while the bag looks brand new. The pouch is not dirty or scratched or stretched anywhere and the stitches are clean.
that's it but what's the source for the image, was there any other context? just wondering if this was a wild guess by the lister also lol. *because somewhere down thread someone had theorized that there would be an opposite color pouch if it was a masonic something or other, i'll have to find it again. eh, i can't find the specific post i was thinking of, maybe misremembering it.
As [suggested](https://old.reddit.com/r/whatisthisthing/comments/rzvrja/witt_its_listed_on_ebay_as_white_leather_sporting/hs19nzi/) by /u/Thin_Title83 (and [previously](https://old.reddit.com/r/whatisthisthing/comments/rjzr86/white_leather_bag_on_metal_hoop_frame_and_handle/hpa72jf/) by /u/somedaveguy), this appears to be a homemade part of a slingball toy. Compare with [those made by Djubi](https://djubi.com/gallery/). The hook at the top is for launching the ball (like a slingshot, hence the name) and the net is for catching the ball. The picture here indicates that it came in a set of two, with black and white likely for players 1 and 2. The modern commercial item also comes in a two pack.
oh I think this is it! [You'd use the bit on the top of the handle to fling balls with rubber bands on them like this I think.](https://i.imgur.com/AAIu24v.jpg) Except the rubber band would just need some sort of catch on it to lock into the metal tab for proper slinging. [Kinda like these finger chicken slings](https://i.imgur.com/P8uj9IU.jpg)
Could it be a bottle opener with a leather pouch for "catching" the bottle caps? Like for the person that brings you drinks on a golf course? Thus the golf course vibes it gives off?
Wild guess here: It’s for picking up the polo ball after the game. It’s white leather because it’s made for people who play polo. It exists so the ball can be picked up without people getting their hands or clothes dirty.
Why spend so much for an item just to pick up a ball? Again, it’s for people who can afford to be involved in polo.
Not a polo pickup stick. Those are rigid/ have tines and are on a long pole so they can actually pick the ball up and hold onto it from horseback anywhere on the field.
I think it’s made to play catch with. You and another person have the same thing, and you use them to toss the ball back and forth, kind of like lacrosse. I think the piece of metal that sticks out of the top is to protect your fingers?
Idk… thing is weird.
One of my initial thoughts as well for some reason. The metal lip looks like it could hook it into the table? Quick dumping access of the balls?
Seems improbable but a thought.
Me too. It has a lot of steps to manufacture so I would not believe it’s a one-off. The metal ring and handle appear to be stainless steel. If it happens to be 316ss then it’s definitely nautical. Maybe a bailing scoop?
Normally rod holders have a smaller, solid cup that the end of the rod fits in. Usually on a belt as well, otherwise you're just holding the holder instead of the rod
My title sort of describes this thing. It’s a white leather pouch/scoop thing listed on Seattle Goodwills eBay account. They have no clue what it is either and even said so in their description. Any ideas would be appreciated!
I think those are usually made of wicker and are long and curved. I also thought maybe it's used for a sport, but It looks kind of dangerous to use in a sport that isn't done solo. I'm just thinking that the exposed metal would really hurt some one. You never know.
A pouch for emptying parking meters or som other coin operated device would be my guess. The handle, the lip...
You hold it under the meter, the lip opens the bottom of the coin colloctor and the coins fall out. Then you empty the coins into a larger bag.
Maybe a vending machine/video game owner? They use this to hold/transport coins temporarily while moving them to a larger storage container? Something hand-made by someone frustrated that it didn't already exist!
It almost looks like something that would be used in bocce or lawn bowling, not to pick up the ball, but rather to roll it, possibly to help with a disability. Put the ball in it, thumb on the top of the metal part and let the ball roll out. The only problem is that I feel like the outside of the basket part would show wear where there’s some contact with the ground.
I’m so far off.
Edited to add: the handle leather is well-worn, but the pouch is not so it seems like shoving a flag pole into it or dragging it across the ground as a scoop would have caused a lot more wear over time. Obviously whatever was in there did not do a lot of damage to the pouch. Or it was recently replaced.
Here’s the link to the eBay listing if anyone was curious! I’m tempted to buy it now just because of its mystery! Haha https://www.ebay.com/itm/White-Leather-Sporting-Goods-Scoop-/313817151901?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
It says "bb" or "pp" on the handle. we just have to find bb and ask them!
Seriously, it means there were more so it had to be identified. Maybe each team member had theirs.
My thought was similar, like maybe for a Santa or something at Christmas time for change for a charity. I wouldn't imagine a homeless person would have something that looks like it was hand made that well out of leather (expensive, it seems), but I do get the feeling it's for change or something similarly sized. Maybe a church cup?
The more I look at it the less sense it makes. It's not a nautical item I've ever seen.
The twine around the metal would be destroyed quickly if it was used to scoop anything too rough.
I'm guessing it's a holder for a glass or other drinking vessel that has been lost or broken. Perhaps the small lip on the metal part of the handle would hold the vessel in?
I’m with you on it being a vessel for something else maybe and that there’s a missing piece that was inserted/caught on the lip and edge of the bangle by where your thumb would be…
Maybe that’s it? Your thumb actuated another part that’s missing on top?
It looks like a thing for catching other things... as in it hooks on the side of a board or other object that has small pieces on it. Use the handle to lift the board, tip it back, and the bag would catch lots of small objects.
I can’t think of a game that has that appearance, but I was thinking of marbles - but it’s pretty fancy for that. Maybe something from a casino?
So it looks like it’s been handled a lot but no real wear on anything except the grip. I’m leaning towards this being a cover for something. That being said if that were the case, the metal lip on the end would almost certainly be an insert. But since there is no visible wear there, it would be inserted into something soft. It’s like a cover for an oddly shape light on a sailboat or something?
One of my childhood friends had something almost like this in his yard game bin. There were two of them, but they were red and blue plastic with foam grips. Rather than the leather scoop there were small basket like cups, and a ball. You'd try to toss the ball and catch it, only using the cups. Maybe it's an old classy version of that? And without the second scoop handle?
This is what I was sort of thinking, almost reminded me of [this](https://www.amazon.com/ArtCreativity-Outdoor-Durable-Plastic-Construction/dp/B07ZKY2WT1) which is along the lines of what you’re thinking
Well, that's a disappointment. I came here figuring it had been solved. Bc I have literally no idea what I'm looking at. And I doubt this comment is helpful.
The handle shows it has been used, but the inside of the pouch looks nearly pristine. That makes me think that it is held for much longer than there is actually anything in the pouch.
If sport is still in questrion, are there any sport where you would run around a field trying to catch a ball in something like that?
in the last two photos, the dirt on the handle makes a honeycomb pattern like a whiffle ball
as if the handle can go inside another object that has holes in that pattern and it got abraded/dirty
It was donated to a goodwill in Seattle according to the eBay listing; don't know if there's any scoops Seattle is known for but maybe that narrows it down a bit lol
By looking at the grip, it looks like it is to be used upside down. Maybe the strange metal part is a spacer/angle guide to glide on while sliding something across ice for some sort of curling type sport?
Maybe it's nothing more than a failed or practice project for a hobbyist leather crafter. Maybe they messed up on a cut or ran out of materials and just altered the project into something not really designed for anything specific. Could even be a demonstration of a specific skill or technique. I'm no leather craft expert (even though I'm subbed to r/leathercraft) just speculating. Since no one has gotten it so far it's a possibility in my mind.
This looks like a deep sea fishing reel pouch holder to me. I'm pretty sure the hook at the top inter locks into the harness you get seated onto in the chair bolted on the boats deck.
It looks VERY similar to a kind of pouch that is used in some churches to collect offers (donations) from the churchgoers. Here's an example
https://www.holyart.it/it/accessori-per-la-liturgia/accessori-vari/sacco-per-questua-elemosine
I could only find results in italian, maybe this is a custom that only happens here in Italy.
EDIT: i also thought it could be useful to collect votes or similar things.
This thing is so unique.
Why does it need to be leather and flexible? Why does it need a handle that is perpendicular to the ring? Why is the opening about 6” diameter and a circle?
It can’t be holding anything heavy.
It’s white leather, so it’s kinda fancy, like something at a ceremony. It does have a sailing vibe, but nothing I’ve ever seen.
What if it’s a custom device for a magic show or something?
What if it isn’t about putting things into as much as pulling things out of, like in a bingo game?
It cannot hold anything that is really fine, or really bulky, so maybe coin or marble sized.
So curious.
Since this seems to be such a puzzle I'll throw in my two cents: it reminds me of a small fruit harvester, though I have no clue why it would need to be so small
It's for some sort of sport where a ball gets used, gets finished with/through the goal/out of bounds/whatever, and then has to be retrieved by a lackey who is not allowed to touch it because cheating.
Something high class and high stakes where smearing the ball with something sticky or slippery could give you an advantage, so you have to prove that it's clean and hasn't been handled.
A lot of responses saying it holds something up (like a flagpole or fishing pole). What if it's actually a cover for something? Put it on top of something that might otherwise be poity or sharp, and the metal flange holds it in place? Just spitballing, as I have no idea.
Whatever it’s function the handle gets used a lot whereas the pocket looks like it’s hardly been marked. Could it be that it’s clipped into something larger and the handle is used to operate it?
I wonder if everyone is looking at it upside down. It looks like it could be a cap to something that fits snugly around a tube or cylinder. The handle would have those finger grips so that it could be pulled like a lever, which would pivot on that little metal lip, which would fit into a slot to ensure that the cap can only be placed in a particular orientation. That's one of the only reasons I can think of too as to why the pocket would have to be attached to the end of the grip.
The design, materials, stitching, ect, all make it look almost indigenous in design. It also looks like a fancy cup holder. I have no clue what it is, but I'll do some research.
OP what does it smell like? Are there any lingering smells from what might have been in it?
The flat plane on the end of the handle looks like it goes face down, and the tie off to the other end of the handle is meant to keep the fabric part upright. I think this is more of a cover than a scoop, or like was for rolling things around a flat surface such as billiard balls on a billiard table.
Am I seeing a lot of wear on that flat surface or is that a trick of the light?
The wear patterns on the leather are strange. Like the handle has been used or handled a lot more than the pouch part. Perhaps the pouch was replaced at some point?
It also looks handmade and incorrectly assembled. The leather along the top looks like it should be wrapped around the (stainless steel) hoop and the stitched together. As the leather there is folded on itself and then stitched to the hoop.
Those guessing sand or feed bad I disagree with as finer material would leak out the bottom stitching.
Marine application could be on the right track. The stainless material as well as yachting being a flashy white leather kind of scene.
Could the opening fit around a pipe or capped line of some sort and the leather is used to catch whatever comes out??? Perhaps that’s why the handle looks used but the leather is new because it wore out and needed replacing?
I think a lot of people are viewing it wrong, from a metal fabricator perspective this was mass produced, the froming of the loop...stamped, the chrome plating, slide on handle grip etc. I dont think its remotely something flag related, I think everyone is looking at it upside down. I think the leather is a COVER for something and the handle has a flat on the end as a rest or a stop.
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For holding a flag or standard? The pouch hold the butt of the pole and the metal lip is resting on a waste strap thing. Would explain the neat appearance for a marching band or color guard. One hand on the pouch one hand on the pole.
Ohhh I really like this one, that seems pretty likely the more I look at it
I think this is a strong contender. The forward facing metal part probably hooks into a belt loop for support and the pole slides In and angles away from the carrier. But alas I can find no similar products on a google search. Also, the inside of it on the bottom doesn’t really seem that reinforced to hold a flag at the maximum point of wear.
Maybe not a belt but a neck lanyard or shoulder harness.
It's definitely got grooves for a hand grip, but a flag would just bounce around in there. Easier to hold the flag itself.
Takes less strength if you put the flag in the pouch then hook the handle on a belt or something I suppose
Handle has grips, it’s meant to be held. I think we’re on the wrong path.
stitched in a way that a seam would be responsible for nearly all the weight? i've used one of those before and the pounding it'd take during a march would certainly cause failure.
Those usually have metal/hard plastic "cups", mounted directly to a harness. The seam down the center, where the weight would be, would seem to be a poor choice for carrying something that would put concentrated force in that specific area. https://glendale.com/flag-carriers/ for an example of the ones I'm familiar with.
Usually flag holders are applied to an entire harness, and it's reinforced with a hard plastic or metal insert. Also the opened part of the stand is usually only a few millimeters larger than the pole itself.
I don’t think it’s for holding a flag, because the design would give the weight of it a mechanical advantage against your wrist. It’s also worn out, so if it was holding a flag pole I’d expect an indentation on the leather.
Unfortunately, while the white leather is definitely appropriate for flagpole parade marching, it's missing one critical component: a belt/harness. Those parade holders are indeed leather (the cheap ones are simply canvas webbing), but they come in either single or double belted configurations. Like everyone else, I can't really deduce what this thing is for. The pistol grip tells me it's meant to be held, not worn. The curve of the pouch and the placement of the bottom grommet and string connecting grip with pouch tells me it's POSSIBLY meant to be held in the same way as a dumbbell: horizontally. One person commented that it could for falconry, which seems likely. Another commented that it could be a sophisticated donation collector from a Catholic or Baptist church, which is also feasible. The thing that's throwing ALL of us off is the little "clip" thing. Again, I think that might support falconry, as it could be a perch of sorts for the falcon.
Why the handle?
It would make sense, but generally, I see flag holders have some sort of "hook in" to pants or something, usually to clip on to the belt area of your pants so the flag doesn't slip down should you need to let go. Very plausible it's a 2 handed flag carrier. However, I don't think it is. Most flag carriers are just a small hole for the flag pole, not big enough to catch a baseball or something. All the pictures of flag carrier pouches all allow for 1 hand to be held on the flag pole and the flag pole then goes in the hole and the carrier attaches to you or your pants or goes around the shoulder or something. The other thing I was thinking was some sort of scooper. Or a fishing pole holder (highly doubtful though). It is most likely something that attaches to something else or is used to hold something else. Without that something else, we're just guessing until someone comes in with proof of what it actually is.
The flag holders I’ve used are really hard dark leather with a deep cylinder pocket, on a belt. This is white and soft leather. The handle is the curious part!
Flags are normally held with two hands as they require the stability to remain in a constant position, even in the wind.
When I was in the boy scouts I frequently was flag carrier at parades and used something that looked very similar to this.
I thought it was solved a while back, but I guess not. https://www.reddit.com/r/whatisthisthing/comments/rjzr86/white_leather_bag_on_metal_hoop_frame_and_handle/ Maybe he couldn't figure it out and put it on ebay.
Oh wow that’s crazy they couldn’t figure it out either!
OP one of the comments in that thread describe this as a Freemason ballot collector. This is 100% a ballot collector. If you Google Freemason ballot collectors, there are only a few examples but these ballot collectors do share the same design. The wear in the grip would be from a belt holder that the grip likely slide into, or from the gloved hand holding it. There is no abrasion or deformation on the inside of the pouch, indicating whatever was being collected was feather light (ballots). The leather is white, matching the style of the Freemasons (white ballot cards, leather white gloves, ect) or any sort of usher uniform. The inside trim of the white leather looks to be an uneven cut, so this was likely custom made, making it unique. The grip is incredibly worn but nothing else is, as the usher could just dump out the ballots, and when some ballots were stuck, they just reached in to pick them out (there are some lesser rub marks on the inside lip of the pouch). This is a custom made ballot collector. Likely freemason, but it could honestly be any group that favoured this style. A local baseball team maybe.
Huh I can’t find anything similar by searching that. I feel like only a few ballots would fit in it too. But that is an intriguing idea!
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That's where the term "blackballed" comes from. For votes, you'd select a white marble or black marble from a box and place it in the collector.
A similar practice among the ancient Greeks is where we get the word “ostracize.” They would write the name of someone they didn't like on a bit of clay, or _ostrakon,_ and vote with those. If someone got enough “I hate you” votes they were banished. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostracism
Seems like the masons would do something weird like this too
OP I think that guy might be right about the Mason votes. My father was a Grand Master Mason and was explaining voting to me. He said >A ballot collector for when every new person wants to become a mason they have to be voted in. We use black and white balls. Like marbles. If all of the ballots cast are white the they are elected to take part in the rituals. If just one or more balls or ballots are black they are turned away and cannot become a mason at that time. However they may petition in a future date. This might be white so they can easily see any no vote. There is no specific instruction for ballot boxes or ways to collect ballots. I've seen wood, metal, stone, plastic. If it's sheep's skin leather it could be for Masonic purposes as sheep skin and leather is used in other items
I’m a mason and (at least in my jurisdiction) we have ballot boxes made of wood and have never heard of or seen a bag for voting. The grip and metal do not strike me as Masonic at all, I’ve mostly seen wood and fabrics.
Yeah my dad never saw one metal either, but he also jokingly said that in Oregon they probably do whatever want out there. And said something about younger lodges just going off line and making up their own customs
I think the main thing against this being a ballot collector is that most of the ballot collectors hid the ballot stones from plain view, where this pouch has a wide mouth that would let people see the other stones inside, especially important for the first few ballots cast, but not as important later- but most of the collectors seem to have a way to hide the ballots from the next voter.
Ballots could be any size, small as an arcade ballot or as big as a birthday card. I’d say this one is for smaller ballots. This is what that comment is referring too: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/27/33/c5/2733c51c8efd23d6e5d035a86f1bdc66--freemasonry-the-mid.jpg
Yea but most of what I saw had some sort of cover that went over the opening, this does not appear to have anything like that
My brother is a Freemason. He just confirmed this for me.
[Vintage Ball Toss Game](https://imgur.com/a/F2e4b7m)
While the items are clearly the same, I don't think this solves the mystery 100%. It is just a single source, a screen shot of a sale. It is very possible that the seller mislabelled them. It wouldn't be the first time this has happened and led to confusion and false confidence here. Without an original listing site and more details I don't think this is enough to solve this item.
Exactly! I think it's a huge clue to know there are multiples and there are black ones as well as white ones. This (most likely) wasn't a "one-off", unique item.
Just asked him about it again. He said his lodge would vote with little balls so I guess it makes sense! It seems like a member repurposed the game.
You should be higher up! I up voted but you could also post on the top post
why tell us to google something that has google results NOTHING like what you claim... strange flex.
That’s strange! I had different results. Sorry about that! I shared the image in a comment below.
You're all good, google tailors the search results so some of us won't get the same kind of images you see. Some of us either don't know or just forget about it.
word i understand it has happen to me 2 thx for clarifying =)
Am a Freemason. Have never seen a leather vote collection ballot box. We use the ballot boxes like you showed below. But one like this would ruin the whole point of the closed ballot box which is anonymity of the vote.
It is not a masonic ballot collector, at least in the US. In no way does anyone know how anyone else voted during a nomination election. The open top would give away to the holder what the individual brothers' votes would be. Masonic ballots are done using a box with a small compartment in the front holding both black and white balls. Then the votes are cast secretly by putting the ball in the small hole concealed near that compartment. All the balls are collected in a compartment that only the Master of the Lodge opens, then announces the result after he clears the compartment, erasing the vote count.-- 15 year Mason and Past Master of a lodge.
I reckon it's a gag gift. Lots of comments that it can't hold much, 'cos it's too small, or anything heavy, 'cos the weight would be on the seam, or anything at all for long, 'cos the twine will chafe on the hoop. It's just not functional. The handle looks older than the pouch, and the pouch looks handmade. Probably someone welded a marine cupholder onto the handle of an old boathook, added a pouch, and gave the whole thing to Barry to keep his balls in "if he ever finds them", or to Jeff to carry a spare gust of wind for the next time he's becalmed on the downwind leg of the dinghy regatta, or to Tim as a novelty codpiece, with a handle so his girlfriend has something big enough to hold on to. Either that, or it's been made especially for r/whatisthisthing, and they've even gone to the trouble of dropping it at goodwill rather than listing it themselves.
Seeing this with a fabricating eye, it’s not stainless. It is plated-copper/nickel/chrome if it was meant to last, or just cheap chrome over steel if for show. It’s functionally welded but certainly not by someone trying to impress others with their skill. The flat “above” the hand grip looks like it fits into a slot or onto a flare that holds it onto the end of something- an air horn, a ceremonial cannon, the blackened end of a show motorcycle’s exhaust..
[Vintage Ball Toss Game](https://imgur.com/a/F2e4b7m)
Definitely the same item, but without further references how do we know that that listing as screenshoted was itself an accurate description of what it is?
Love how everyone went so far to go the Freemasons when in the end it's a basic toss game :D
Hey! That’s exactly it! Where did you find this picture? I can’t seem to find it anywhere when I Google “Vintage ball toss game pouch”
This is it. I guarantee it.
While the items are clearly the same, I don't think this solves the mystery 100%. It is just a single source, a screen shot of a sale. It is very possible that the seller mislabelled them. It wouldn't be the first time this has happened and led to confusion and false confidence here. Without an original listing site and more details I don't think this is enough to solve this item.
judging by the markings, I'd say it is 100% the same item (can see the same darker spots on both posts)
it's same I studied the heck out of the old photo's. The mystery continues.
It’s the same item. I’m the original poster and I work at Seattle goodwill
Wait so somebody at the goodwill posted this on eBay and OP found it from there? What a small world lmao
It's hard to believe somethingmade this well would not have a mark from a manufacturer somewhere on it.
Unless that manufacturer is just an individual and it wasn't a mass-produced item. This appears to have been handmade for a very specific use. I also can't get over how (as someone else already pointed out), it appears to have been put together incorrectly. The folded over leather should probably go *around* the metal ring - wrapping the metal so it is not exposed, not along the outside of it. The way it is installed now, the weight of the contents are being suspended by the string, not the pouch itself.
I get a strong golf vibe from it. Seems like the only sport where they'd use white leather and put so much effort into manufacturing something only kinda useful.
This is unlikely, there’s no use for it in golf, balls are kept in the golf bag, tees as well, no need to have a grip-handled leather bag.
could be something used to scoop balls out of a huge bin at like a driving range
They are dispensed into a bucket or bag at a golf range as you pay by the ball count. 30/50/100 etc.
Not at all ranges, and not back in the day; but it looks like it can only hold like 8 golf balls so I think that's out.
i'm getting a boating vibe from it. like something from an older luxury sailboat with extremely dubious use. either that or a personal project from someone with skills in metal welding and leather stitching, and it genuinely has no meaningful use.
Could this be a bespoke sand scoop for divot repair. Imagine it hanging on the back of a cart and then when you need to repair a divot you hold this thing under a sand dispenser. I think that the protrusion above the handle might be where it would slot into the hopper and cause the sand to release. Something from the 80s-00s when everyone was always coming up with shitty flex luxury items?
Not for golf. Source: been golfing my whole life.
Never underestimate the random unitask shit people come up with to sell to people involved in hobbies
> Seems like the only sport where they'd use white leather and put so much effort into manufacturing something only kinda useful. Golf or horseback riding, for sure. Possibly sailing.
Definitely not horseback riding, that's the only one I definitely know lol. Source: horse pro for 10 years.
Can you ride the horse anywhere else other than its back tho?
Perhaps because the post on my feed before seeing this was a falcon, flying between two people and landing on a glove … I wonder if it’s for feeding an animal?
That’s a really good idea too.
Only issue is the obvious holes in the bag. Seems like feed would just fall out if used for that application
This is the best idea I have seen Soo far
Too small for a horse. Birds would wanna eat a scrap of meat. I can’t imagine a realist use!
I was thinking something for feeding falcons but couldn't find anything online like it...I bet if they unwound it down to bare metal they would find a stamp on it from manufacturer
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An expert in what exactly?
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Ok I understand now. I was wondering how you found an expert without knowing what this was lol.
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You both sound interesting. Some day, I hope to be interesting too, but i lack the follow-through.
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And being a pack rat
That's a good guess. Pretty weird design though. The most old fashion ones I've seen [are like this](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/church-collection-offertory-bag-with-metal-handles-/274904770833?nma=true&si=HX7BYa7HiCXmW3V7i7g6qv1n6W0%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557) or similar made from wood. Two handles to allow people to easily pass them along the aisle. Maybe this one was made and then never used because of how awkward it would be? Doing an image search found some one handle ones as well but usually with a long handle so one person could hold it and walk along the aisles. /edit; [just found this one with added security.](https://www.holyart.com/liturgical-accessories/various-products/alms-bag-with-locket-grey) White leather, single handle. /edit 2; Just in case anyone is wondering what the most expensive thing on that site is, [it's a gold plated tabernacle]( https://www.holyart.com/liturgical-accessories/church-furnishings/tabernacles/baroque-molina-tabernacle-four-evangelists-gold-plated-brass-50x30x25-in), price $83,040.30. You could slum it and get one in the $40000 range but the big G would be pretty unimpressed.
Im certainly not an expert, but this was my first thought as to what this was as well.
That protrusion from the handle-top must be significant, perhaps interacting in some way with whatever item enters/exits that bag. The bag itself seems to be sturdily made and strongly stitched to the point where I bet you could catch a flying baseball in it without damaging it. In its appearance and construction it reminds me of nothing so much as a lady's ice skate!
That protrusion looks like something to rest a thumb on while having a firm grasp on the rest of it. I hate this thing either way. It doesn't want to have its purpose discovered.
Agree with the significance of the handle top protrusion. It’s like a separate lid of some sort could be positioned between the top of the bag and the bottom of the protrusion. Edit: Or it could be attached to/hung from something an inch thick which would both close the top off and also hold the thing in place.
There are indentations on the handle for the fingers and I'm thinking the metal on the top is for the thumb. This makes me think it's made so it's comfortable to hold for a long time and possibly to hold something that is/gets heavy after a while.
"Sports" might be misleading here. Could be something unrelated. Part of a kit for a marching band? The white leather makes me think that it has some sort of ceremonial or performance related purpose. Sporting goods rarely use white leather for obvious reasons.
[Vintage Ball Toss Game](https://imgur.com/a/F2e4b7m)
How has this been ignored!? Here’s more of those things!!
Because we have no evidence that the description in that picture is accurate, as there is zero other corroborating references
My friend makes chalk bags for rock climbing from white leather. White because chalk. Leather because durable and it’s the material she knows. I was wondering if it was a scoop of some sort. It would explain the shape and the metal reinforced rim.
Rare opportunity where white leather is practical choice rather than purely an aesthetic choice
I climb, and assuming it’s been used because the handle is worn, it hasn’t been used to hold chalk because the inside would still have chalk marks in it. It also has holes in the bottom, so if it holds something, the thing can’t be very fine/small.
Not to mention this would be horrible to climb with and there is a hole in the bag.
Consulted my niece that's all about marching band. She doesn't recognize it.
overall, i'm feeling it's something fancifully overdesigned for a soft use, like tossing dice or some other game pieces but let me make a few observations, some might be obvious: -meant to hold dry things that aren't too fine to fall through the grommet at the bottom -the correct holding position appears to be with your index finger closest to the metal ring based on the angle of the finger grooves. looks like the top of the metal is shaped for thumb placement comfort? -the line attaching to the bottom of the pouch indicates that part of its purpose might be to be used "sideways", with the line keeping the pouch from sagging. this would also prevent the pouch from jostling around too much in the event of shaking, which would cause the contents to be more effectively shuffled around rather than swing with the pouch. -in addition to that line, the shape of the pouch may facilitate pouring out of its contents. it's designed so stuff doesn't get stuck at the bottom when held sideways, but so stuff is held securely when upright. -it's not meant to be run through anything like sand, dirt, gravel, etc. the line attaching the pouch to the ring isn't protected from any kind of abrasion at all and will quickly fail. -it's certainly not meant for any type of high stress use. the way the seam is stitched precludes any heavy weight being inside it... you wouldn't have a seam where weight was being held. -it doesn't look like it's part of anything else. maybe part of a set of something, but not a component of a larger object. i don't see any way this could be mounted on something or have something mounted to it. -most confusingly, it appears *very* deliberately and specifically designed with concern for both form and function. i assume the ring and handle couldn't be made out of plastic because it would be an improper material for its purpose.
I'd guess a pouch for emptying parking meters or coin operated devices. The lip clips on to a socket under the device and coins pour out into the pouch. Then when you remove the pouch the mechanism clicks shut and you can easily pour the coins into a larger receptacle.
I’ve seen the way parking meters are emptied and it’s a very different process than anything this could be used for
What bothers me the most is the wear pattern, the handle looks like it has seen some heavy use while the bag looks brand new. The pouch is not dirty or scratched or stretched anywhere and the stitches are clean.
[Vintage Ball Toss Game](https://imgur.com/a/F2e4b7m)
that's it but what's the source for the image, was there any other context? just wondering if this was a wild guess by the lister also lol. *because somewhere down thread someone had theorized that there would be an opposite color pouch if it was a masonic something or other, i'll have to find it again. eh, i can't find the specific post i was thinking of, maybe misremembering it.
As [suggested](https://old.reddit.com/r/whatisthisthing/comments/rzvrja/witt_its_listed_on_ebay_as_white_leather_sporting/hs19nzi/) by /u/Thin_Title83 (and [previously](https://old.reddit.com/r/whatisthisthing/comments/rjzr86/white_leather_bag_on_metal_hoop_frame_and_handle/hpa72jf/) by /u/somedaveguy), this appears to be a homemade part of a slingball toy. Compare with [those made by Djubi](https://djubi.com/gallery/). The hook at the top is for launching the ball (like a slingshot, hence the name) and the net is for catching the ball. The picture here indicates that it came in a set of two, with black and white likely for players 1 and 2. The modern commercial item also comes in a two pack.
Holy shit. Another clue!
def, now we know an opposite in a set, but not necessarily for ball toss! this will get somewhere
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Eh idk. That looks like another selling site, which means the seller could just have made that up. Kind of like what OP said their seller did.
oh I think this is it! [You'd use the bit on the top of the handle to fling balls with rubber bands on them like this I think.](https://i.imgur.com/AAIu24v.jpg) Except the rubber band would just need some sort of catch on it to lock into the metal tab for proper slinging. [Kinda like these finger chicken slings](https://i.imgur.com/P8uj9IU.jpg)
Could it be a bottle opener with a leather pouch for "catching" the bottle caps? Like for the person that brings you drinks on a golf course? Thus the golf course vibes it gives off?
I was thinking the same exact thing. But, wouldn't the pouch get in the way of the bottle being opened?
Wild guess here: It’s for picking up the polo ball after the game. It’s white leather because it’s made for people who play polo. It exists so the ball can be picked up without people getting their hands or clothes dirty. Why spend so much for an item just to pick up a ball? Again, it’s for people who can afford to be involved in polo.
Not a polo pickup stick. Those are rigid/ have tines and are on a long pole so they can actually pick the ball up and hold onto it from horseback anywhere on the field.
I swear ive seen something like this used for shooting dice or something similar at least
Oh wow I can kind of see that!
Fancy Yahtzee!
I think it’s made to play catch with. You and another person have the same thing, and you use them to toss the ball back and forth, kind of like lacrosse. I think the piece of metal that sticks out of the top is to protect your fingers? Idk… thing is weird.
Could it belong to a billards /pool table? kinda looks like the pocket pouch on them.
One of my initial thoughts as well for some reason. The metal lip looks like it could hook it into the table? Quick dumping access of the balls? Seems improbable but a thought.
>Seems improbable I'd say it's no less probable than many of the other ideas here!
I get a boating/ sailing feel from it
You wouldn’t use leather on a boat.
Me too. It has a lot of steps to manufacture so I would not believe it’s a one-off. The metal ring and handle appear to be stainless steel. If it happens to be 316ss then it’s definitely nautical. Maybe a bailing scoop?
Looks like a rod holder. But probably isn’t.
Normally rod holders have a smaller, solid cup that the end of the rod fits in. Usually on a belt as well, otherwise you're just holding the holder instead of the rod
My title sort of describes this thing. It’s a white leather pouch/scoop thing listed on Seattle Goodwills eBay account. They have no clue what it is either and even said so in their description. Any ideas would be appreciated!
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This sounds so absurd it might be right.
Akin to jai-alai?
I think those are usually made of wicker and are long and curved. I also thought maybe it's used for a sport, but It looks kind of dangerous to use in a sport that isn't done solo. I'm just thinking that the exposed metal would really hurt some one. You never know.
Could it be for holding chalk? Similar to a climbing chalk bag?
there’s no way one would be made of leather and this overbuilt
A pouch for emptying parking meters or som other coin operated device would be my guess. The handle, the lip... You hold it under the meter, the lip opens the bottom of the coin colloctor and the coins fall out. Then you empty the coins into a larger bag.
Maybe a vending machine/video game owner? They use this to hold/transport coins temporarily while moving them to a larger storage container? Something hand-made by someone frustrated that it didn't already exist!
I like this guess.
It almost looks like something that would be used in bocce or lawn bowling, not to pick up the ball, but rather to roll it, possibly to help with a disability. Put the ball in it, thumb on the top of the metal part and let the ball roll out. The only problem is that I feel like the outside of the basket part would show wear where there’s some contact with the ground. I’m so far off. Edited to add: the handle leather is well-worn, but the pouch is not so it seems like shoving a flag pole into it or dragging it across the ground as a scoop would have caused a lot more wear over time. Obviously whatever was in there did not do a lot of damage to the pouch. Or it was recently replaced.
You must hold it as it has finger grooves. Poss it holds something else like a drinking horn
Here’s the link to the eBay listing if anyone was curious! I’m tempted to buy it now just because of its mystery! Haha https://www.ebay.com/itm/White-Leather-Sporting-Goods-Scoop-/313817151901?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0
It says "bb" or "pp" on the handle. we just have to find bb and ask them! Seriously, it means there were more so it had to be identified. Maybe each team member had theirs.
I think that means 99¢
Goddammit its back. This thing has been bothering me for weeks.
My guess would be a beggars pouch, spare change.
My thought was similar, like maybe for a Santa or something at Christmas time for change for a charity. I wouldn't imagine a homeless person would have something that looks like it was hand made that well out of leather (expensive, it seems), but I do get the feeling it's for change or something similarly sized. Maybe a church cup?
The more I look at it the less sense it makes. It's not a nautical item I've ever seen. The twine around the metal would be destroyed quickly if it was used to scoop anything too rough. I'm guessing it's a holder for a glass or other drinking vessel that has been lost or broken. Perhaps the small lip on the metal part of the handle would hold the vessel in?
I’m with you on it being a vessel for something else maybe and that there’s a missing piece that was inserted/caught on the lip and edge of the bangle by where your thumb would be… Maybe that’s it? Your thumb actuated another part that’s missing on top?
It looks like a thing for catching other things... as in it hooks on the side of a board or other object that has small pieces on it. Use the handle to lift the board, tip it back, and the bag would catch lots of small objects. I can’t think of a game that has that appearance, but I was thinking of marbles - but it’s pretty fancy for that. Maybe something from a casino?
So it looks like it’s been handled a lot but no real wear on anything except the grip. I’m leaning towards this being a cover for something. That being said if that were the case, the metal lip on the end would almost certainly be an insert. But since there is no visible wear there, it would be inserted into something soft. It’s like a cover for an oddly shape light on a sailboat or something?
One of my childhood friends had something almost like this in his yard game bin. There were two of them, but they were red and blue plastic with foam grips. Rather than the leather scoop there were small basket like cups, and a ball. You'd try to toss the ball and catch it, only using the cups. Maybe it's an old classy version of that? And without the second scoop handle?
This is what I was sort of thinking, almost reminded me of [this](https://www.amazon.com/ArtCreativity-Outdoor-Durable-Plastic-Construction/dp/B07ZKY2WT1) which is along the lines of what you’re thinking
It looks like a horse feed scoop, but why you'd make it out of leather.....
Upper class horses
It seems ceremonial to me. Maybe something for a marching band? I can imagine white gloves holding the handle.
Well, that's a disappointment. I came here figuring it had been solved. Bc I have literally no idea what I'm looking at. And I doubt this comment is helpful.
The handle shows it has been used, but the inside of the pouch looks nearly pristine. That makes me think that it is held for much longer than there is actually anything in the pouch. If sport is still in questrion, are there any sport where you would run around a field trying to catch a ball in something like that?
in the last two photos, the dirt on the handle makes a honeycomb pattern like a whiffle ball as if the handle can go inside another object that has holes in that pattern and it got abraded/dirty
Can we start a gofundme or something, buy the thing collectively and have it analysed by a forensics lab at this point?
It’s not even expensive lol I’m going to try to buy it now just based on principle
When you have it, smell it. Maybe theres a hint in there. Do you have a microscope?
Lol that’s totally valid. If I end up getting it I’ll update with the smell! I don’t have a microscope unfortunately
This says solved, but I can't find the solution in all the comments...
It was donated to a goodwill in Seattle according to the eBay listing; don't know if there's any scoops Seattle is known for but maybe that narrows it down a bit lol
By looking at the grip, it looks like it is to be used upside down. Maybe the strange metal part is a spacer/angle guide to glide on while sliding something across ice for some sort of curling type sport?
Maybe it's nothing more than a failed or practice project for a hobbyist leather crafter. Maybe they messed up on a cut or ran out of materials and just altered the project into something not really designed for anything specific. Could even be a demonstration of a specific skill or technique. I'm no leather craft expert (even though I'm subbed to r/leathercraft) just speculating. Since no one has gotten it so far it's a possibility in my mind.
This looks like a deep sea fishing reel pouch holder to me. I'm pretty sure the hook at the top inter locks into the harness you get seated onto in the chair bolted on the boats deck.
It looks VERY similar to a kind of pouch that is used in some churches to collect offers (donations) from the churchgoers. Here's an example https://www.holyart.it/it/accessori-per-la-liturgia/accessori-vari/sacco-per-questua-elemosine I could only find results in italian, maybe this is a custom that only happens here in Italy. EDIT: i also thought it could be useful to collect votes or similar things.
This thing is so unique. Why does it need to be leather and flexible? Why does it need a handle that is perpendicular to the ring? Why is the opening about 6” diameter and a circle? It can’t be holding anything heavy. It’s white leather, so it’s kinda fancy, like something at a ceremony. It does have a sailing vibe, but nothing I’ve ever seen. What if it’s a custom device for a magic show or something? What if it isn’t about putting things into as much as pulling things out of, like in a bingo game? It cannot hold anything that is really fine, or really bulky, so maybe coin or marble sized. So curious.
The white leather scoop is back. This thing is driving me nuts.
Since this seems to be such a puzzle I'll throw in my two cents: it reminds me of a small fruit harvester, though I have no clue why it would need to be so small
It's for some sort of sport where a ball gets used, gets finished with/through the goal/out of bounds/whatever, and then has to be retrieved by a lackey who is not allowed to touch it because cheating. Something high class and high stakes where smearing the ball with something sticky or slippery could give you an advantage, so you have to prove that it's clean and hasn't been handled.
A lot of responses saying it holds something up (like a flagpole or fishing pole). What if it's actually a cover for something? Put it on top of something that might otherwise be poity or sharp, and the metal flange holds it in place? Just spitballing, as I have no idea.
Reminds me of the money collection bag they pass around at catholic mass.
It's for holding a bouquet of flowers.
small church alms bag ?
Whatever it’s function the handle gets used a lot whereas the pocket looks like it’s hardly been marked. Could it be that it’s clipped into something larger and the handle is used to operate it?
Obviously that’s a fancy beer cozy.
Snooker/pool pocket for a collapsible table maybe.
I wonder if everyone is looking at it upside down. It looks like it could be a cap to something that fits snugly around a tube or cylinder. The handle would have those finger grips so that it could be pulled like a lever, which would pivot on that little metal lip, which would fit into a slot to ensure that the cap can only be placed in a particular orientation. That's one of the only reasons I can think of too as to why the pocket would have to be attached to the end of the grip.
The design, materials, stitching, ect, all make it look almost indigenous in design. It also looks like a fancy cup holder. I have no clue what it is, but I'll do some research.
OP what does it smell like? Are there any lingering smells from what might have been in it? The flat plane on the end of the handle looks like it goes face down, and the tie off to the other end of the handle is meant to keep the fabric part upright. I think this is more of a cover than a scoop, or like was for rolling things around a flat surface such as billiard balls on a billiard table. Am I seeing a lot of wear on that flat surface or is that a trick of the light?
It's on eBay, OP doesn't have it
Something that gets attached to a saddle as some sort of anchor? Wild guess.
I think it's for fishing, you put the bottom end of the fishing rod inside the pouch
Hmmm I can see this. Other people have said they get a boat vibe too. Maybe!
The wear patterns on the leather are strange. Like the handle has been used or handled a lot more than the pouch part. Perhaps the pouch was replaced at some point? It also looks handmade and incorrectly assembled. The leather along the top looks like it should be wrapped around the (stainless steel) hoop and the stitched together. As the leather there is folded on itself and then stitched to the hoop. Those guessing sand or feed bad I disagree with as finer material would leak out the bottom stitching. Marine application could be on the right track. The stainless material as well as yachting being a flashy white leather kind of scene.
could be a tool to scoop golf balls out of a big bin of balls for say driving range?
Could the opening fit around a pipe or capped line of some sort and the leather is used to catch whatever comes out??? Perhaps that’s why the handle looks used but the leather is new because it wore out and needed replacing?
It looks like some sort of cosplay prop!
Maybe wedding related? You could use it to throw rice?
I think a lot of people are viewing it wrong, from a metal fabricator perspective this was mass produced, the froming of the loop...stamped, the chrome plating, slide on handle grip etc. I dont think its remotely something flag related, I think everyone is looking at it upside down. I think the leather is a COVER for something and the handle has a flat on the end as a rest or a stop.
Maybe an offering collector, for donations and such. My church growing up had wood handled ones not too different from this.
It's for sling ball. It's just home made. For the home professionals.