From my email today-

QuoteHello ,my name is Leo Baldwin and I live in the NW tip of Washington State . I was wondering if you could help a guy out ? I picked this up at a garage sale years ago and no one can really tell me just what it is . My guess would be a Ratchet but have never seen one like it before although some are similar . I really need someone with a clue . Approximately 8'' long and as you can see says PICK-UP PAT'D . The working in is female 1/2 square . 

looks to me to be a machine handle for a recessed bolt.When you set the machine to do something you can not change the setting without this wrench. just a guess   bob w.

AA has one:
http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/newbritain-nonebetter.html#pickup-spark-plug

The owner says THANKS!!!

That Pick-Up wrench is not in original condition. It appears to have been shortened by an inch and a half, and then to have had a 1/2 square socket inserted into it.  Also the blade has been jiggered somewhat.

Shown below is what the original 1907 Pick-Up looked like (minus the brazing).

I don't know how many different sizes were produced, but the one in question has the correct ball end, and the socket has the same notches as the spark plug wrench. Not something your average guy could reproduce easily.

As a belated aside...

Both shallow and deep sockets are shown on the patent drawing. In addition, the inventor describes both a version with the socket permanently attached, and a version with a removable socket attached with a knurled screw. The inventor also describes attachments other than sockets being possible, such as a screwdriver bit, or a tap or a drill...

A T-handle is also shown...

So...don't be surprised if more variations on this thing turn up....

Live and learn. Thanks, Rusty!