Vansittart's oblong french block weight

[Sybersnott]

Charles Vansittart had a "challenge" oblong French Block weight that he used to demonstrate his pinching prowess.  The solid metal block had NO handle or ring in which to lift it up.  He would place a 100 dollar bill underneath the block weight and if you could lift the weight (with just one hand, of course)... the money was yours.  I don't believe anyone collected on that one.

Anyhow, I was wondering just exactly what was the dimensions of that oblong French block weight??  I may have the resources to reproduce that very block.  Maybe Roark can help me on this.  I was inspired to do this after reading that very interesting article sent to me from the AOBS.

[Roark]

Some sources offer that Vansart pinched a block weight

of 56 lbs, pinched upside down so the handle was not

involved. Vansart could do this with two fingers and his

thumb.

Willoughby estimated that Vansart's ability to perform this feat with only a thumb and index finger, was the equivalent

to pinching 100 lbs if the whole hand was used.

It does seem to me that I have seen 100 lbs ascribed to

this feat but that was probably something written by one

of the hyberpole hucksters.

How big would a block weight have to be to weigh 100 lbs!

I do not understand the reference to 'oblong' weight.