Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: Benjamin Wharton on February 25, 2014, 01:04:31 AM

Title: Leaf-blade ring tool
Post by: Benjamin Wharton on February 25, 2014, 01:04:31 AM: Hi all,

I came across this tool wondering what it could be. It has come from an historical shipbuilding area. I thought possibly something to do with temporary ring placement of some sort as the ring doesn't look 'handle-like'.

Does anybody have any inkling to what it could be? Maybe some sort of goods tool from the wharves?

Cheers,
Ben
Title: Re: Leaf-blade ring tool
Post by: Papaw on February 25, 2014, 01:50:03 AM: It looks forge made. Does the "blade" appear to have been sharp at one time? Looks kinda beveled. If so, it could be an emergency knife.
Title: Re: Leaf-blade ring tool
Post by: Lewill2 on February 25, 2014, 03:19:16 PM: It looks like it could be a log dog, driven into a log they are used to tie groups of logs together when floating them down a river.
Title: Re: Leaf-blade ring tool
Post by: Nolatoolguy on February 25, 2014, 05:28:44 PM: Quote from: Lewill2 on February 25, 2014, 03:19:16 PM
It looks like it could be a log dog, driven into a log they are used to tie groups of logs together when floating them down a river.

+1

That was my first thought.
Title: Re: Leaf-blade ring tool
Post by: anglesmith on February 25, 2014, 06:27:00 PM: Yes I would agree also, a log dog. (Rafting dog, logging dog, Timber dog, Eye dog) See page 289 in Sellens Dictionary of American hand tools.
Graeme
Title: Re: Leaf-blade ring tool
Post by: anglesmith on February 26, 2014, 12:10:27 AM: Ben, Two and two just made four!! I didn't realise you were from NSW when I answered this post. I have two of these virtually identical, mine are certainly hand forged and they came from Heath's (Secondhand store) at Ballina and are probably a relic from timber rafting days on the Clarence or one of the northern rivers. I had them for a while before I found out what they were and I told anyone who asked, "that they were for tethering a horse in timber country where the trees were to big for the reins to reach around"!!
On another tack, are you going to Ironfest at Lithgow in April ? I have put on a big display of hand forged ironwork and tools ( amongst the myriad of other Ironfest happenings) there for a number of years
Graeme

Spelling. Know matter how many times I proof read a post!!
Title: Re: Leaf-blade ring tool
Post by: Bus on February 26, 2014, 02:32:21 AM: I have a similar item listed in the upcoming Wrenching News Auction in April (Lot 754-4 just to the left of the rusty hammer). I think it is cast iron. Would it also be a log dog?

(http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd3/buswrench/york-2014/Y14-0751-757.jpg)
Title: Re: Leaf-blade ring tool
Post by: anglesmith on February 26, 2014, 02:48:57 AM: It looks factory made, but yes I think it's a log dog. It is certainly not for tethering your horse, but the one below that "strange" handled hammer is! What is 755(3)?
Graeme
Title: Re: Leaf-blade ring tool
Post by: Bus on February 26, 2014, 09:13:54 AM: Quote from: anglesmith on February 26, 2014, 02:48:57 AM
It looks factory made, but yes I think it's a log dog. It is certainly not for tethering your horse, but the one below that "strange" handled hammer is! What is 755(3)?
Graeme

I agree that the ring below the hammer is a horse hitch ring. The first item in Lot 755 is marked: LAWSON-LAUGHLIN SPECIIATY CO. - CHICAGO, ILL - PAT'D MAY 12, 1908. It's 11" long and is a meat tenderizer marketed as the "Sanitary Steak Shreader". Patented by Richard Lawson of Effinghan, Illinois. I found the patent at:

https://www.google.com/patents/US887662?pg=PA1&dq=887662&hl=en&sa=X&ei=9AMAU-W8NKSg2AW43YDoDw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAg (https://www.google.com/patents/US887662?pg=PA1&dq=887662&hl=en&sa=X&ei=9AMAU-W8NKSg2AW43YDoDw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAg)

(https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=patentimages.storage.googleapis.com%2Fpdfs%2FUS887662.pdf&docid=85220eb373c5f158768805834410b23d&a=bi&pagenumber=1&w=800)
Title: Re: Leaf-blade ring tool
Post by: Plyerman on February 27, 2014, 12:12:53 PM: Cool meat tenderizer! I bet there aren't to many of those left in such nice condition.
Title: Re: Leaf-blade ring tool
Post by: Benjamin Wharton on March 03, 2014, 04:24:47 AM: Hi all,

Thanks for all of your answers, sorry I hadn't got back to you all earlier had internet issues, but back on now.

Yes I agree with all here it is most definitely a log dog! Thanks for your confirmation.

Hi Graeme, good to some local knowledge! Ironfest? never been mate, just googled it, you got a smithy there aye?

Cheers,
Ben