What do I have here?

[brianmc02]

Over the last year or so, I have inherited some tools from two family members. One was a machinist and tool/die maker. The other is a guy who did everything from upholstering furniture to making musical instruments. The items in the collection are

And this is one of the tools. The business end has an odd combination of affordances, and I can't figure out how it might work. Looks like it hooks onto something, and there's a pointy thing at the end that might be a scribe?

The toothed wheel does not rotate at the moment; can't tell if it's supposed to.


See the video:

Anyone have any thoughts on what this is used for?

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Can opener?

 

[Leviton]

I think Oregon Rock Crusher has nailed it.

https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/royal-tin-opener-for-large-tins-c-1940-royal-tin-opener-for-news-photo/102725614

 

[RTM]

Well, it almost looks like a sawset, but I like the can opener idea better.

 

[leg17]

Well, it almost looks like a sawset, but I like the can opener idea better.

Sawset is always a good 'go to' answer.

 

[rlitman]

Sawset is always a good 'go to' answer.

LOL, sawset is a good go to, but I agree that this is positively a can opener. It's one made for large commercial sized cans. And those claws are probably just a red herring. I think they're a bottle opener feature that has nothing to do with this tool's usual function.

The "gear" should ratchet on the handle, dragging the cutting edge along as you inch around the can.

 

[brianmc02]

And those claws are probably just a red herring. I think they're a bottle opener feature that has nothing to do with this tool's usual function.

OK, I think this part is the key. Couldn't stop trying to visualize how the claws being at a right angle to the pivot and gear could possibly work as a can opener. I'm going to confuse my wife and put it in the utensil drawer in the kitchen.

As I started to say before, the items in the collection are quite varied, and seem to range in age from 30 or so years old to 100+. I'll post a random selection every now and then.

Next up are some interesting pliers from the machinist's side of the family. No maker's marks or COO on them. The jaws of the pliers are smooth and have little recesses in them, in a ball or teardrop shape. Anyone know how they're used?

 

[rlitman]

...Next up are some interesting pliers from the machinist's side of the family. No maker's marks or COO on them. The jaws of the pliers are smooth and have little recesses in them, in a ball or teardrop shape. Anyone know how they're used?

They're for tooth extraction.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I often find them in tool boxes. Dental picks, too. In fact, gun to my head, I may have a dental pick in my own hands more often than any other tool. They are great for cleaning gunk out of all kinds of things, including other tools.

 

[rlitman]

...I may have a dental pick in my own hands more often than any other tool...

For me it would be pliers, but I do use dental picks an awful lot.

I've seen tooth extraction pliers being sold at various times. I'd have bought some if the price were right (so far, it hasn't been), as the handles are really well thought out for positive grip. They're not useful around the shop, because the jaws are so weirdly shaped, but I think they could be modified to be useful.

 

[wrenchguy]

OK, I think this part is the key. Couldn't stop trying to visualize how the claws being at a right angle to the pivot and gear could possibly work as a can opener. I'm going to confuse my wife and put it in the utensil drawer in the kitchen.

German style can and BOTTLE (claws) opener. It has to do with its operation of opening a can that is different than most.
Note here, https://www.warsendshop.com/products/eminent-solingen-german-can-opener

google antique German can and bottle opener. Not all have bottle cap claws.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I've seen tooth extraction pliers being sold at various times. I'd have bought some if the price were right (so far, it hasn't been), as the handles are really well thought out for positive grip. They're not useful around the shop, because the jaws are so weirdly shaped, but I think they could be modified to be useful.

Agreed. I have one pair, made by Brinckerhoff, in NY, that you helped identify in this old thread linked here. The jaws have a very odd shape. I did use them recently, though, to pull about a hundred copper dome-head upholstery tacks from a leather sofa I was salvaging for materials. I started with a little pry bar, but it was bending them, so I reached for these and got into a good lift, pinch, pull rhythm.

 

[RTM]

They appear to be stainless, so I always go to the medical field first, and the dental aspect makes sense with various shaped angles with the same business end.