✅ SOLVED Brass items found in old neighborhood

[Hunk-a-lead]

Found these in a "spill" on a curbstrip in a neighborhood that dates back to the early 1900s. Found 21 of them. They are brass with varying thicknesses from approximately 1/32ndth inch to 1/8th inch. Each has the V shaped teeth or jaws, most have corresponding grooves or slots. Each is marked with what I assume to be a size identifier ie "12 delta 302". No part of them move or bend. No clue what they were used for, my guess is a finely tooled spacer, maybe even something electrical. As always, appreciate the assist and thanks for peeking at my mysteries. Ed

 

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[releventchair]

For printing press/machine. Linotype.
Your piece is a matrice or matrix.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linotype_machine

 

[Hunk-a-lead]

Man, you guys amaze me. Well done and that is exactly what these are. Big thanks. What are the chances there are any collectors out there. Would love to donate to the cause........

 

[ArfieBoy]

When I first saw these I knew I had seen them before. Relevantchair woke my memory with his answer; when I was in high school in the early 1960's I worked in the local newspaper office where we had a linotype machine (small weekly paper). As soon as I saw the answer I knew what they were. I poured the lead for the linotype letters and the advertising mats for the paper and proof-read the mats and paper before and after printing. Thanks for the memories!

 

[Hunk-a-lead]

thanks Arfieboy