What the Funk is it? #48 or #49

[Private Lugnutz]

Another whatzit, and definitely not a saw set.

When I first plucked this out of a very old Island of Broken and Misfit tools box, I was thinking antique Tire Pressure Gauge. But it has no chuck to engage a valve stem. In fact, that whole end is fixed. That knurled flattened piece does not move. That end cap does not move. That springed stopper on the other end was not visible when I found it. It was deep inside and popped out when I dropped it by accident. If it's a gauge of some kind, I don't see what would actuate it. Or what you would read. There's nothing else inside.

The pocket clip implies frequent use, but it may not even be a mechanics' tool.

It has a "PAT. APPLIED FOR" marking on the end cap, but a "PAT. FEB 8.10" marking on the pocket clip. That has to be Feb 8, 1910, a Tuesday, the day patents were issued.

Not in DATAMP's database. I will be looking through the 1910 USPTO book today, not an easy task without a name or a definitive function. I will have to examine all the patents issued on February 8.

Hopefully someone in the know cuts that short!

 

[RTM]

I'm afraid you will find that is that patent date for the pocket clip, so maybe aim that way first, eliminate it as a time wasting suspect?

The bit that popped out, can you see anything exciting down the tube? Does that thing that looks like a slide switch do anything, like hold on the "pat applied for" button? Half wondering if it is something like a tobacco pipe cleaning tool, sliding the switch releases tension on the disk's shaft, and out pops a tool.

I think I have a file thing mounted like that somewhere, but without a spring to pop it out

 

[Shiftless]

Once again, Lugz found a weird one. I’m in for the answer or at least all of the good guesses.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

that patent date for the pocket clip

Almost assuredly, especially with two patents.

I'm trolling through "Feb. 8" patents, skipping the obviously irrelevant (e.g , brooding coop, brassiere, etc), and compiling a list of anything remotely feasible, a tedious exercise, not just time-consuming, but concentration-challenging for the inquisitive mind! I resist looking them up one by one, which just saps my will. That's my SOP on patent searches, anyway.

 

[RTM]

Are you using this page to crawl thru?

1910 - Patents Sitemap

Ctl F for Pen brought this up on page 373

US948802A - Retainer for fountain-pens and pencils. - Google Patents

which also implies this will be a newer tool than that date.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Once again, Lugz found a weird one.

They do tend to follow me home!

The bit that popped out, can you see anything exciting down the tube? Does that thing that looks like a slide switch do anything, like hold on the "pat applied for" button? Half wondering if it is something like a tobacco pipe cleaning tool, sliding the switch releases tension on the disk's shaft, and out pops a tool.

See post #1.

Are you using this page to crawl thru?

No. I use the Smithsonian Libraries site and their search tool. I didn't find any patents better than 948,804 for the clip. Almost assuredly the right one.

which also implies this will be a newer tool than that date.

Agreed.

 

[GreyOwl]

Early Pez dispenser

 

[larry4406]

You had me at the title! Sorry can't help with your quest!

James Gang!

Funk#48

Funk#49

 

[Ricky Joe]

The title got me, also. One of the first songs I learned to play on guitar. The tool looks like it might be for installing a spring on a carburetor return or something similar.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

James Gang!

I was wondering when someone would say something.

The tool looks like it might be for installing a spring on a carburetor return or something similar.

Thanks for the lead, RJ. I'll take as many ideas as I can get at this point. That knurled part almost looks like a striker to me. But the spring-loaded part is the most befuddling. Something else would've had to be inside the tube to provide resistance against the spring. But what, and also why? Or, something went on top of that inside the tube and there was a cap. And I am trying to remember it probably dates to the Teens and no earlier than 1911.