Help me identify this vintage hand tool?

[toolfanatic]

I found this vintage hand tool in an old tool chest that belonged to my great grand father. He was a carpenter and could turn his hand to most things, I believe, however I am puzzled by this particular tool. Is it a tool for working leather or wadding? I wondered if it might be some sort of crude saw set but the moving jaws are sharpened (though blunt) so this is probably unlikely. It is stamped as follows: "D.R.P. ano (maybe "and"), "Nr. 16". Any ideas?

 

[jmm]

Might be German. DRP = Deutsches Reiches Patent.

Beyond that, all I'd be doing is guessing. Good luck.

 

[rlitman]

The jaws appear to have a shearing action like a paper punch or nibbler. Not a sawset.

 

[Steevo]

Is it an ear notcher?

 

[toolfanatic]

They have a punching action but when the jaws are closed there is a significant gap (maybe 0.75mm) between the jaws as they overlap,so the resulting cut or punch in light card is rough and sharpening wouldn't improve this as far as I can see. Like the ideas though, keep them coming!

 

[toolfanatic]

Is it an ear notcher?

I had to look that one up, I must admit! Looks like a very plausible suggestion, just what it was doing in that old tool chest I am not sure!!

 

[Outlawmws]

Medieval torture device.

Not ears, think scrotum..

 

[Provincial]

It reminds me of a sheet metal tool for putting crimps on the edge of sheet metal. Like the "riffles" on the end of a stove pipe, only bigger. The modern style leave a more triangular crease than these would.

 

[mitusa]

I was thinking "ear notcher".......I've used a few on hogs and cattle. But I've never seen or used one with a "U" shape; mine were always a "v" shape.

 

[kc-steve]

I was thinking "ear notcher".......I've used a few on hogs and cattle. But I've never seen or used one with a "U" shape; mine were always a "v" shape.

Same hear, a V shape. When I was 10 or 12 my uncle let me tag along to a farmer's place and I had my first and only experience "notching" cow's ears. The farmer let me ride a horse so I decided to herd his milk cows. Get along little dawgies. The farmer got pissed and I wasn't invited back again.

Steve