Mystery Tool

[lakeview2628]

Hi Garage Journal Folks. This is my first post. I was wondering if anyone can tell me what this tool is? I only have the one pic. It belongs to a flea market vendor who won't sell it until he knows what it is. I was thinking it's not actually a wrench but rather a pattern used to set up a drop forge to make a wrench. Anyway, please let me know if you have any idea what it is. Thanks!

 

[3baygarage]

I’ve seen a good number of these in my travels, and several variations, they aren’t that rare. Maybe harder to find due to lack of a name.

Always thought they were a wrench for some kind of plow or implement, but these guys said it could be for valves. Here is a little info:

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/432317-strange-wrench.html

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&hl=en-us&biw=768&bih=922&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=rn3mWuH3LOKOggf35YGwAw&q=cast+iron+unusual+wrench&oq=cast+iron+unusual+wrench&gs_l=mobile-gws-wiz-img.3...168120.173253..173582...1....117.947.13j1..........1.........30i10j0i13i30j0i30j0i7i30.pDLu7Zq4qw8%3D#imgrc=hg9vHNBIjEG0GM:

Also, welcome to the forum.

 

[3baygarage]

Several on ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Model-A-T-Valve-Lifter-Wrench-Awesome-Design-Very-Ornate/112932616212?hash=item1a4b4ef814:g:8PcAAOSw~M1ZlOB6

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Curved-Model-A-T-Valve-Lifter-Open-Ended-Wrench-12-Long/323191594820?hash=item4b3fb85f44:gEEAAOSw1ZJaxmTX

 

[lakeview2628]

Thanks for the prompt reply. The info was very helpful!

 

[23ford]

It is an old vale spring compressor missing chain and hook.

 

[lakeview2628]

It is an old vale spring compressor missing chain and hook.

I was thinking that there would be a spring rather than a chain. That is, once the spring is compressed far enough to unseat it from the pin that it sits on, the spring would pull it free. How would a chain be used in this case?