Mystery pliers?

[rdjohannes]

Picked up these pliers yesterday. Marked “J. Caspers” “Lancaster, Wisc.” Very heavy and measuring 12 inches long. Does anyone know this manufacturer? And what are they for? Farriers’ pliers? Plumbing? I always appreciate your expertise! Thank you.

 

[RTM]

Calks for horse shoes. DATAMP is your friend

US Patent: 1,061,047 - Calk Tongs

US patent 1,061,047 Calk Tongs was issued to Joseph Caspers of Lancaster, WI. It was granted on 05/06/1913. A pliers type tool with jaw faces designed to grip horseshoe calks. Some are marked with the maker name and "PAT PEND" and some with the patent date.

datamp.org

 

[Indexmill]

What is a horseshoe calk?

Now, Diamond Horshoe and Calk" makes sense...

 

[RTM]

What is a horseshoe calk?

Now, Diamond Horshoe and Calk" makes sense...

Think cleats for ice, I think. Long before my time.

 

[AreBeeBee]

Calks (also spelled as caulk) were standard on lumberjack boot soles: they made riding logs and breaking up jams in rivers easier and safer through better footing.

 

[Farmer J.]

What is a horseshoe calk?

Now, Diamond Horshoe and Calk" makes sense...

We had a discussion about this in a thread about Diamond Calk..

Diamond Calk Horseshoe Adjustable Wrench

I've had a Diamond Calk Horseshoe adjustable wrench in my tool box for a number of years which originally came out of my grandfather's tool box. In researching the age of this wrench I ran across a website which some of you vintage tool lovers may find of interest...

www.garagejournal.com