Grandpa is stumped

[Fxstcustom]

Need help
My Gpa has two tools or items on his board that he is not sure what they are.
Its not an ice thong its  too small

Here is the thongs or hook?

[lptools]

An ice thong that is too small? Now, I am guessing that would be doubly uncomfortable. I think you mean tongs. All in fun, Lou

[Lewill2]

What is the wording cast into the sections? It could be a beam grab used for hay trolley applications.

[turnnut]

 if it is small, it may be the remains of a bull lead.  it looks like it may have had a handle at one time ???

[pritch]

I'm thinking of the thing that guys use to grab a log. I wouldn't know what it's called. Seems like some log cabin guys I used to work with had some tools like that.

[Fxstcustom]

Lol
Tongs. Yes. Sorry. My mind must been elsewhere

Too small for ice yes (he has several ice tongs)
Also too small for log grabber ( he has 4 of those also in diff sizes)

The bull lead is interesting. You think it could be?

[john k]

I'd go with bull-lead. 

[mikeswrenches]

All of the bull leads I’ve seen have round balls on the ends. These are sharp, like they’re made to grab something and imbed into it. These would be a little hard on the inside of a nose. Probably make the bull real unhappy ☹️.

They have a patent date of Dec 7, xxxx cast on one hook, and what looks like a name on the other hook. A little work with a wire brush might make it more legible.

Mike

[turnnut]

it looks like "mow??? & ??????

Dec. 7 (looks like 18 ??)

 could be 1847 1852 1856 1869 1875 1880 1886 & 1897 all of which had Dec. 7 on a Tuesday

[Fxstcustom]

Pat Dec 7 1880 or 1860
Bowers Dubuque
Assuming it’s Dubuque Iowa

Not a bull lead

If it’s to grab something then it’s something small
Only opens up 7”

[Lewill2]

From Hay Trolley Heaven Facebook pages. The Hay Trolley guys call them a rafter grab.. These pictures are from one of the guys displays.

Newer grabs similar in design were made to grab the center stringer on a pallet to pull it from a truck if there isn't a loading dock available.

The grab pictured is a G. B. Weeks manufactured piece.

[mikeswrenches]

Nice work Les! That sure looks like it. Another mystery solved by the sleuths on Tool Talk.

Mike

[Fxstcustom]

Lew you are amazing!
Gpa and I thank you!!