Whatzit

[gibsontool]

I bought this for $5 at a garage sale a while back and was told it was a button press? It's marked A, Ornstin made in England. No idea what it's purpose is. Can anyone shed some light on this? Thanks in advance. Jim.

[Bill Houghton]

The name brings up quite a few references:
http://collection.sciencemuseum.org.uk/people/cp128659/a-ornstin-limited
https://www.gumtree.com/p/other-hand-tools/two-bench-button-presses-made-by-a.ornstin-ltd/1228953292

I suspect this means the kind of buttons that are assembled on a metal chassis - fabric covered buttons and the like - rather than, say, protest march buttons.

[gibsontool]

Thanks Bill, I did google it but didn't see those sites.

[lptools]

Hello, I have a similar tool here, same style punches & dies. Mine came from an upholstery shop, for buttons that you would see on the backs or seats of sofas & chairs. You would punch the matching fabric,  press that on the button, which would have a wire ring on the back. The button is fastened with twine through the seat/back and pulled tight against the fabric/foam of the chair/sofa. Sometimes referred to as Button Machines, still made & sold by C S Osborne. Regards, Lou

[Northwoods]

Centrifugal force is our friend!

[gibsontool]

Good explanation. Thanks Lou.