what is it ??

[metalicat30]

When the top plunger or the item that looks like a railroad spike is pulled up it pushes what appears to be a cutter of some sort. It works opposite of what you would think it should. If you were to hit the spike down the cutter moves away you have to pull up to cut if thats the function. Looking at it it seems as if there is an old keyhole cut in the face. Could this be something associated with oldtime lock setting ? hopefully that shows up in the photos

[Catch22!]

Ok, I was thinking the teeth pushed when you moved the spike. With your new pictures they look more like a guide.  You said the blade looking part moves forward when you pull up on the top of the spike.  Top does not appear to be made to pull up on it, more like hit it down.  This is an interesting one.   Can you do a closeup on the cutter edge?

[Lewill2]

The leg that sticks out to the side of the section that has the plunger seems like it has a slot in it that could be a magazine for nails or staples, I'm thinking some kind of nailer or stapler of some sorts. More pictures??

[lptools]

Hello, I have a similar looking tool around here. Could yours be an upholstery stapler? Used to mount spring clips? Senco made one. Regards, Lou

[metalicat30]

Hello, I have a similar looking tool around here. Could yours be an upholstery stapler? Used to mount spring clips? Senco made one. Regards, Lou

I think you may be on to something it very well could be a staple driver of some sort. Posting more photos now .Still doesn't explain what appears to be a cutter ? See next photos

[metalicat30]

photo

[turnnut]

  could it be a stapler for those old time thin wood fruit/vegetable crates ???

[amecks]

Assuming a stapler or nailer, the toothy part may be a stop allowing accurate placement of the nail/staple.  A crate nailer would require accurate positioning.  The slot in the handle looks "nail-sized" and the push or hit part may be the driver.  The curvy arm allows the next nail to drop in place.  Does that arm move away when the plunger is moved down?
I repair air nailers here at work, I suppose that's why I'm seeing that.

[metalicat30]

@ammecks "When the top plunger or the item that looks like a railroad spike is pulled up it pushes what appears to be a cutter of some sort. It works opposite of what you would think it should. If you were to hit the spike down the cutter moves away you have to pull up to cut if thats the function"

[amecks]

OK, I forgot about reading that.  Maybe it isn't a cutter but a feeder allowing the next nail to fall into place to be driven.  How about finding some nails that fit the "feed" slot in the handle and see how the movement affects them?
I took a stab at finding Nailer or Stapler in DATAMP but no luck.

[Catch22!]

Does the bottom flat of the rod appear that it has been used to hit a nail or ?.  Does the rod return on its own?

I think the item that you describe as a cutter, may just be to move a nail/? into position.

The pointed other end has me baffled. Have not a clue what it would be.

[Lewill2]

Catch, If it is some type of nail/staple gun then the sharp looking piece at the end would be a kick stand so  the nails/staples hanging out the bottom of the tool don't get pushed out if you set it down.

[lptools]

Hello, Those pins still make me think upholstery, like the pins on a fabric or webbing stretcher. I am still looking for the upholstery stapler that I have here. Regards, Lou

[metalicat30]

Thanks for all the responses ! I have dismantled the thing looking for a patent....but alas no joy

[Catch22!]

A kick stand.  That is a good thought. It would let the back end stick up if set down with nails/pins in it.  I have looked a lot and don't find anything like it on the web for a nail driver, but it seems to fit that.