Leaf-blade ring tool

[Benjamin Wharton]

Hi all,

I came across this tool wondering what it could be. It has come from an historical shipbuilding area. I thought possibly something to do with temporary ring placement of some sort as the ring doesn't look 'handle-like'.

Does anybody have any inkling to what it could be? Maybe some sort of goods tool from the wharves?

Cheers,
Ben

[Papaw]

It looks forge made. Does the "blade" appear to have been sharp at one time? Looks kinda beveled. If so, it could be an emergency knife.

[Lewill2]

It looks like it could be a log dog, driven into a log they are used to tie groups of logs together when floating them down a river.

[Nolatoolguy]

It looks like it could be a log dog, driven into a log they are used to tie groups of logs together when floating them down a river.

+1

That was my first thought.

[anglesmith]

Yes I would agree also, a log dog.  (Rafting dog, logging dog, Timber dog, Eye dog) See page 289 in Sellens  Dictionary of American hand tools.
Graeme

[anglesmith]

  Ben, Two and two just made four!! I didn't realise you were from NSW when I answered this post. I have two of these virtually identical,  mine are certainly hand forged and they came from  Heath's (Secondhand store) at Ballina and are probably a relic from timber rafting days on the Clarence or one of the northern rivers.  I had them for a while before I found out what they were and I told anyone who asked, "that they were for tethering a horse in timber country where the trees were to big for the reins to reach around"!!
On another tack, are you going to Ironfest at Lithgow in  April ? I have put on a big display of hand forged ironwork and tools ( amongst the myriad of other Ironfest happenings) there for a number of years
Graeme



Spelling. Know matter how many times I proof read a post!!

[Bus]

I have a similar item listed in the upcoming Wrenching News Auction in April (Lot 754-4 just to the left of the rusty hammer). I think it is cast iron.  Would it also be a log dog?

[anglesmith]

It looks factory made, but yes I think it's a log dog. It is certainly not for tethering your horse, but the one below that "strange" handled hammer is! What is 755(3)?
Graeme

[Bus]

It looks factory made, but yes I think it's a log dog. It is certainly not for tethering your horse, but the one below that "strange" handled hammer is! What is 755(3)?
Graeme

I agree that the ring below the hammer is a horse hitch ring. The first item in Lot 755 is marked: LAWSON-LAUGHLIN SPECIIATY CO. - CHICAGO, ILL - PAT'D MAY 12, 1908. It's 11" long and is a meat tenderizer marketed as the "Sanitary Steak Shreader". Patented by Richard Lawson of Effinghan, Illinois. I found the patent at:

https://www.google.com/patents/US887662?pg=PA1&dq=887662&hl=en&sa=X&ei=9AMAU-W8NKSg2AW43YDoDw&ved=0CEEQ6AEwAg

[Plyerman]

Cool meat tenderizer! I bet there aren't to many of those left in such nice condition.

[Benjamin Wharton]

Hi all,

Thanks for all of your answers, sorry I hadn't got back to you all earlier had internet issues, but back on now.

Yes I agree with all here it is most definitely a log dog! Thanks for your confirmation.

Hi Graeme, good to some local knowledge! Ironfest? never been mate, just googled it, you got a smithy there aye?

Cheers,
Ben