Can you identify what these pliers are?

[medullary ray]

I picked these up just because they are unique. After cleaning off the rust, the only markings are a numeral "2" and what a japanese speaking person told me looks like the Kanji symbol for "shellfish" stamped near the 2. it sort of looks like it was double stamped. Would be interested in knowing the history, use, manufacturer of these pliers or crimpers and the trades that used them. Thanks!

 

[RTM]

Is the shellfish crab or lobster?

 

[Stubby1743]

Neither. It's the Kanji symbol for "shellfish" not a pictorial representation of any shellfish.

 

[Ricky Joe]

They look to be a high quality hand made set of pliers, blacksmith made by hand. Definitely a keeper. I have a good friend to whom over the years I have passed many pairs of box joint pliers. He has an extensive collection, and I’ve never seen any made like yours.

 

[Old Man Roger]

They look like they’d work as a wire crimper.

 

[RTM]

Neither. It's the Kanji symbol for "shellfish" not a pictorial representation of any shellfish.

That was a joke (guess too subtle) as they both are known for their pincers.

 

[Stubby1743]

That was a joke (guess too subtle) as they both are known for their pincers.

OK. I thought you may have been thinking that they were old Lobtex/Lobster brand which is from Japan.

 

[lolaetype]

They look like they’d work as a wire crimper.

My first thought was they were made for crimping something like the ferrule on the right in the picture. But I can't see how they would generate enough pressure to be effective.

 

[RTM]

OK. I thought you may have been thinking that they were old Lobtex/Lobster brand which is from Japan.

No, not that clever.