An emailer asked if this is a wrench. I think it is a die handle.

Handle for a tempering valve?

Seeing the locations of the two setscrews, I wonder if it was used on a square shaft; you'd use the screw which hit the middle of a flat face. A wire or cable through the hole would permit remote rotation of the shaft through a limited arc; being able to shift the lever position by 45 degrees could easily make a big difference in how useful that arc would be.  Even when directly hand operated, being able to reposition it would allow it to avoid obstructions.

I don't see much to gain from being able to rotate a square-bodied die by 45 degrees - that's what made me look for another possibility.  And for square dies, why not clamp on two faces, or have a square pocket, maybe with a lip to help get side pressure to start the threading?  But if the square goes clear through, and this is used as a lever, there's a benefit from the eight-pointed pocket, AND from having two screws.

It looks like a valve handle for the old 4" ball valves used in the oilfield around here. I will try to find a pic when I get home from work next week.


I found this while looking for a pic. In the description someone contacted them to say

"This item is a handle for a oilfield ball valve not a wrench. WKM was a manufacturer of these valves and was bought out by Cameron Iron Works. Just to let you know what this is. Wkm was owned by ACF at the time this was manufactured.
THANKS MIKE!"


http://www.ebay.com/itm/antique-wrench-antique-tool-farm-wrench-wkm-acf-c-old-/300367063337

Here is a link to a pic of the valve.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rockwell-Norstrom-3-inch-valve-/180737155473


Edit to add link.

Looks like another mystery solved gang, Scooby snacks for everyone.