I have an unknown tool that looks similar to a small circular bed of nails. I do not know much about old tools so any help would be greatly appreciated.

We would need to see pictures to determine what you have.

A photo would be good, But I remember my mother having these little round "bed of nails" 2-3"? in diameter which she used in the bottom of vases for aiding flower arranging. A flower arranger's tool is my guess.
Graeme

Quote from: anglesmith on July 19, 2012, 05:21:05 PM
A photo would be good, But I remember my mother having these little round "bed of nails" 2-3"? in diameter which she used in the bottom of vases for aiding flower arranging. A flower arranger's tool is my guess.
Graeme

This is exactly what came to my mind as well, they where often painted a dark green and had a heavy base.

Yep, for flower arranging.  I believe the actual name for these is a "frog."

The flower contraptions tended to have very sharp spikes and cast zinc bases.

My experience was they were too big to leave on some kid's chair because they would be seen.  They could be carried in your hand and rapidly applied to somebody's back or head though.  Generally that resulted in what is today called a disciplinary conference followed by an ass whipping.  Generally the whipping was worth it.

Quote from: Aunt Phil on July 20, 2012, 11:57:11 PM
Generally the whipping was worth it.

I can understand that.  Makes me think of times I didn't have a frog at hand.

is it similar to these on ebay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Smallest-Lead-Flower-Frogs-Ever-1-2-and-You-Get-3-of-Them-Antique-Vintage-/261069725617?pt=Floral_Decor&hash=item3cc8f7dfb1