Cannot figure this one out.

[coolford]

I don't think anyone is close yet, here are some more pictures.  The first one shows the width and flatness of the roller.  The second one is from the bottom, shows the width of the slot the bottom curve goes into when the handles are closed and then the roller follows the curve.  The third one shows the shape of the curve that when closed the roller follows.  There is space between both sides of the top handle and the curve when closed.  Playing around with it I put a piece of thin aluminum between the top and bottom and closed it---it cut the aluminum and I rolled out a thin piece of aluminum.  Don't know if that means anything.

[lptools]

Hello Coolford. Is the curved edge sharp enough to be the cutter? I like Al's idea of wire insulation cutter, or something similar. It looks like it would go around something, and the cutting would take place at the curved edge. What I am thinking is cutting the seal around the neck of a wine bottle, (or similar), or maybe that's because I just cut the seal on a wine bottle!!! Sharp enough to cut lead pipe?? Maybe a re-loading tool?? Just my 2 cents (hic), Lou

[coolford]

The curved edge appears to never have been sharp, and one side or it is rounded off.  None of this tool makes sense to me.

[oldgoaly]

The roller to me would indicate it rolls along a edge or material to do what it does several times per sheet. Being brass it would indicate a soft material like cloth or paper. So what does that mean, I haven't a clue!!

[coolford]

The wheel is not brass, it is steel, the rest of it is brass except for reinforcement of the lower handle.

[Plyerman]

It has a partial mark, first is LG24,  then a date 1886, then JDFLL & Sons. and lastly _EV____KETIA. 

I haven't found anything similar online yet. Still searching though. Could you post a close-up photograph of the markings please?

[coolford]

Sorry, I have tried and the markings just do not show.  They are faint to begin with and the camera flash does away with them.  I have revised the marking however, after looking again and again.  What I thought was a J is probably a scratch.  So, I now think it is Dell & Sons.  The 1886 is the best viewed mark.  Lastly, the bottom line may be EV____KETIA, the KETIA part is easy to see.  Poking around on e-bay I found a chisel for sale with a C. Dell & Sons mark and have emailed the seller who is in England.---Thanks for trying.

[Northwoods]

Stick with it.  This is really a stumper.

[coolford]

Got a reply from the guy in England, firstly he says there is almost no information on Dell & Sons as the company didn't last long.  He has never seen this particular tool, but he feels it was used in either leather work or upholstery or both.  Says I was lucky to come across the Dell & Sons name at all.  Oh well!!!

[amecks]

How about closing metal staples in leather machinery belts?  These Dell guys were from the era of belt powered mills and factories.  Quite a lot of mentions of Dell & Sons in Grace's Guide but didn't find anything specific to this tool.

[oldgoaly]

I have heard the term "belt clipper " used for belt ends.

[lptools]

Hello, Coolford. How many letters are missing between the EV and the Ketia??

[coolford]

Looks like four letters.

[lptools]

Thanks! So that brings it up to 11 letters, I will try some word searches.

[coolford]

Maybe you could pass something through it such as leather and press some type of ornament into the leather.  Or maybe it could be a leather belt and something pressed into it?????????????