The tip of the tool is concaved and the shaft is 3 1/2" long and about 3/8" in diameter.
Probably one of these with a handle-
(http://www.quietfiredesign.com/byhandproducts/Metal/SettingRivetsweb.jpg)
Perhaps for these-
(https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQrbmcg9Wexp4zHB789RejhTDGAwAYsDgw0WiJ-U0HrfUBBoFhFVg)
I think you may be correct with that papaw, if the shaft goes thru the handle
Some of the "snap" rivets don't need too much force, so I think a handled tool "could" be sufficient.
Brian, was it sharp? Like a leather tool? If not, maybe a tool for installing push-on nuts like on Tonka Toy wheels? Kitchen tool for making Red-Hots very slowly? Pharmaceutical tool for making Sudafed-like pills in limited volume? Wood handle says pre 1950. If the shank is through the handle, it might be a rivet setter, but the handle should show some damage from striking. None of the rivet tools I have seen have wood handles.
Good guesses so far... It is a hand tool, no hammers involved...
I will say this it can get messy using this tool...
HOW ABOUT A PITTER ,CHERRY. PEACH
Well...pitting cherries with it *would* be messy.....
Nope that's not it...
No more guesses???
>I will say this it can get messy using this tool...
Does it involve animal reproduction? If so I'm not guessing - P
Not even close Rusty...
So, we know it's not to be struck, so it's more than likely pushed in use.
-Concave end.
-Can be messy in use.
Could it be for carving something soft, in a push type manner so the removed material rolls up and out of the way? Leather? clay sculpture?
Let's see... Yes it is to be used to push something fairly soft, but not leather or clay... George Washington could have used a tool very similar to this one...
Wood dowel pusher tool?
Upholstery tack pusher?
Nope and nope...
something to do with wax ?
Nope...
Pushing something soft, not leather not... Is it for pushing some kind of wadding or cloth? For stuffing some material?
Lead is soft. Loading round balls in a muzzle loading pistol ?
Quote from: BruceS on January 23, 2012, 09:32:39 AM
Lead is soft. Loading round balls in a muzzle loading pistol ?
Too short except for a muff-pistol or other hide-away. Except for Patterson Colt's, most revolvers (intelligently) had an incorporated loading lever.
Quote from: BruceS on January 23, 2012, 09:32:39 AM
Lead is soft. Loading round balls in a muzzle loading pistol ?
Bruce figured it out, it is a Ball Starter for black powered weapons...
I was gonna say that, but the only thing I could see it being used on would be a removable cylinder conversion, where you would load off the gun.
Or maybe a derringer.
I should have mentioned that it is used to start the ball on muzzle loaders...
Quote from: 64longstep on January 23, 2012, 06:00:09 PM
I should have mentioned that it is used to start the ball on muzzle loaders...
Not just any muzzle loader -- one of these. Here's another example in a box with the rest of the equipment, and a close up of the muzzle with the guide to protect the mouth from being deformed.