Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: geekeasy on August 07, 2017, 11:06:35 PM

Title: Will & Finck Antique Tool -- Not a clue.
Post by: geekeasy on August 07, 2017, 11:06:35 PM
This tool came out of an estate sale in Orinda, CA. 

It labeled "Will & Finck, SF" and they made a bunch of nice knives during the Gold Rush.

Beyond that, I don't have a clue what it is.
Title: Re: Will & Finck Antique Tool -- Not a clue.
Post by: katzpjs on August 08, 2017, 02:34:29 AM
More information about this mysterious find:  the black steel blades have very sharp points but no cutting edges. 
Title: Re: Will & Finck Antique Tool -- Not a clue.
Post by: Yadda on August 08, 2017, 05:37:16 AM
Maybe for flax or wool?
Title: Re: Will & Finck Antique Tool -- Not a clue.
Post by: cody6268 on August 08, 2017, 08:14:00 AM
Perhaps something to do with the fur trade?
Title: Re: Will & Finck Antique Tool -- Not a clue.
Post by: Papaw on August 08, 2017, 09:03:48 AM
Perhaps a carpet stretcher and cutter?
Title: Re: Will & Finck Antique Tool -- Not a clue.
Post by: turnnut on August 08, 2017, 10:51:28 AM
  is that a wooden block ? 

  with the very sharp points and no cutting edge, and them making sporting goods in the early 1800's
  I was leaning toward the same as cody6268 suggestion of fur trade.
   perhaps for stretching the fur on the drying/curing board.  the fine points would not destroy the hide.  9JUST A THOUGHT)

   Will & Finck, San Francisco, Calif. made and sold many types of items,  bowie knifes, cutlery, granite ware,
   gamblers card cheating equipment and sporting goods.
    Frederick A. Will & Julius Finck,  Fred was in business by himself until Julius got involved with him.

     in 1877, they received an award from the twelfth industrial exhibition in San Francisco, Calif. that was put on
     by the Mechanics Institute  for their carving set.
Title: Re: Will & Finck Antique Tool -- Not a clue.
Post by: geekeasy on August 08, 2017, 01:01:31 PM

Found the answer.  It's an upholstery stretcher. 

The modern ones don't look too different:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002U2RAJA
Title: Re: Will & Finck Antique Tool -- Not a clue.
Post by: Plyerman on August 09, 2017, 07:09:37 PM
Interesting. If I had to use that, I'd keep a good stock of band-aids close by.