What is it and how the heck do you use it

[blackoak]

Had these for several years. Pat. Nov, 23 1909 cast in the handle. Look like something for twisting wire into something useful, maybe S hooks?? If it is I can't figure out how to use it. Has slots on each jaw with lugs that are hooked for locking on and holding.




[/URA couple more pictures of it. I took it apart so you can see how it's designed better. I still think it's for bending or making something out of semi heavy wire such as No. 9 fence wire, but just a WAG. The two slots in each of the jaws are made so you can close the jaws and it will close up around whatever is inside and hold it in place, The lugs are for sure made to lock on something and hold it in place while twisting or turning it.
<a href="http://s29.photobucket.com/user/blackoak/media/102_9673.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c253/blackoak/102_9673.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 102_9673.jpg"/></a>
[URL=http://s29.photobucket.com/user/blackoak/media/102_9695.jpg.html]



I may have figured what this does. I'm thinking a fence tool of some kind maybe barbwire twisting- mending????? It will put a very tight twist on wire if you make a loop and run the ends through the center and bend the tag end around the lugs and start twisting. once tight open the jaws and the tag ends will slide through that slots releasing the wire. Turn it over and the lugs are position so you can un-twist the wire. I used very small wire in these pictures and much larger could be used. I may be wrong , but that's my guess.

[Lostmind]

WAG - a saw set

[Papaw]

Might be a bung wrench.

[Ken W.]

Could be a tire chain tool.

[bill300d]

here you go   
https://www.google.com/patents/US940823?dq=nov+23+1909&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiWhbqg8rTKAhUBNj4KHZ2aBf84qgEQ6wEIIzAB

[blackoak]

here you go   
https://www.google.com/patents/US940823?dq=nov+23+1909&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiWhbqg8rTKAhUBNj4KHZ2aBf84qgEQ6wEIIzAB

Thank you for finding this info. I was close to what my guess was for it's use. I was starting to think it may has been used to twist on the barbs on some of the early  barbed wire fence. Again thanks for the information.

[turnnut]

interesting tool,  it is not shown in the "stretchers and strainers" fence and wire tools book by Conrad E. Bose, Alma, Nebraska.

then yet, the book was written in 1975, and research was not as simple as it is today.

reading the patent, tells a lot about the use of the tool,

"TOOL FOR FORMING WIRE JOINTS." patented on Nov. 23, 1909
patent # 940,823 issued to Abraham B. Probasco

this invention relates to a tool to be used for the purpose of completing the spliced joint whereby the ends of two wires are to be connected.

it is more particularly  adapted for use on fence-wires and in such cases where close proximity of the ground or of other wires renders
convenient manipulation of a tool difficult.

again, thank you for showing it on tool talk, the place for learning.

[Northwoods]

So, it's definitely not a leather working too!?

[Aunt Phil]

It's a damn $20 bill. 
Normal use would be to put it in an envelope and send it to Aunt Phil, General Delivery, Hamlin, NY but being a $20- I don't touch the filthy things.  Send a $50- instead.

[blackoak]

It's a damn $20 bill. 
Normal use would be to put it in an envelope and send it to Aunt Phil, General Delivery, Hamlin, NY but being a $20- I don't touch the filthy things.  Send a $50- instead.

You lost me on this post.

[bill300d]

It's a damn $20 bill. 
Normal use would be to put it in an envelope and send it to Aunt Phil, General Delivery, Hamlin, NY but being a $20- I don't touch the filthy things.  Send a $50- instead.

You lost me on this post.

the paper money in your first pic.

[turnnut]

 I heard that the twenty was sent to Aunt Phil, but it was refused and the envelope was stamped, "return to sender"

sorry, you only get one chance Aunt Phil.