Need help identifying these unusual oars

[Chuck Cossaboom]

The Norumbega Chapter is trying to assist the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation with their canoe and boat related artifacts.
The attached photo or a pair or oars in their collection, cast into the cross member is MFD AT MIDDLEFIELD CONN.
The oars mechanism has two ball swivels which I assume mount to the gunnel.
I have never seen anything like this and would appreciate any information.

 

[Andre Cloutier]

Looks like the ol' forward facing rowing contraption, modern versions exist as well

 

[Chuck Cossaboom]

Thanks someone just sent me something.
https://smallboatsmonthly.com/article/forward-facing-rowing-system/

 

[Ben Fuller]

These wander through the antique community from time to time. Chief market as I recall was in areas where there were lots of snags, drowned trees. A little web research may pin them down more, or a trip to the patent office web site.