Mystery tool 03 20 2013

[anglesmith]

Here is another mystery tool on eBay
 http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/181104013701?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
I am dithering between dividers and a circlip tool, the points look too sharp for circlips and the adjustment range is disturbingly small for either? Maybe this is blacksmith made oneoff purpose tool and only he new what it was for?!  I would bid on it if the starting price was less, it is certainly an intriguing tool!
Graeme

[1930]

An old rusty pitted tool that that may be homemade and he cant identify has got to be worth at least 50 dollars dosent it?

[amertrac]

It's worth either 50 bucks or nothing and he is going to find out    bob w.

[Lewill2]

It must have something to do with working on your Platypus or Kangaroo.

[Branson]

It must have something to do with working on your Platypus or Kangaroo.

I was thinking it might be a wombat wench...

[Lostmind]

Looks to precise to be blacksmith made to me. Looks like it was made as a scribe, possibly for mouldings ?

[johnsironsanctuary]

I'm thinking 'smith built for purpose dividers. Those look like they would be very nice to use as a wagon builder, wheelwright or anyone who might lose a small tool in the shavings. Very nice forge work.

[Branson]

Looks to precise to be blacksmith made to me. Looks like it was made as a scribe, possibly for mouldings ?

You might want to reconsider "too precise to be made by a blacksmith."   Technically, the most beautiful flintlock firearms, like the long rifle, were blacksmith made, as well as all the precision scientific and medical tools produced before 1800.  A number of the nearly perfectly formed hammers and axes I have were also blacksmith made.   Blacksmith made doesn't mean crude or imprecise.

[Lostmind]

Branson , I will reconsider . you are correct , when I think blacksmith , I think crude.

[rusty]

Better to say , perhaps, not factory made, tho, there are infelicilities in that also.
(Some 'factories' were just buildings full of smiths all making the same thing)

Blacksmiths made some of the clockworks in bell towers, quite precise work...


The tool thing sorta makes me thing adjustable pin wrench tho..

[1930]

When I think blacksmith made I also think crude, I guess thats a majority of what we are exposed too

[Branson]

This is blacksmith made. 

[johnsironsanctuary]

My friend has two tower clock mechanisms that were built in the 15th century. They were totally forge built and drop dead gorgeous! A good smith is only crude when he is in a hurry. There are, however,  a few talented smiths who do beautiful work very quickly.