Early colonial tool??

[Bill D. (VA)]

This was found in a trash pit along with other 1600s artifacts, and at the same site where the 2 scattered hammered silver caches were dug 3 years ago. Based on this, I don't believe there's much question as to its age, but not sure what this is. My best guess is maybe some kind of leatherworking tool, but I could be way off base. Haven't been able to find anything close to it in any of my reference books, but maybe someone out there will know. Thanks again for any help.

 

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[worldtalker]

Possible early Dental tool?

 

[duggap]

Looks like something a blacksmith would use.

 

[goldencoin]

looks like a hoof cleaning tool

HH
-GC

 

[Silver Searcher]

Looks like a knife and fork on the bottom of a pincher.....first Colonial multi tool

SS

 

[RvaDiggn]

I was going to say hoof tool for horses

 

[Rmeav8r]

They do look a little like hoof nippers, but too small. Too light weight to me, but I guess it up to the Farrier on what he might use. Here are a old pair of nippers.

Scout

 

[stefen]

I'd rule out it being used for hoof trimming...too small...and if you have ever trimmed a hoof, you'd know that the long handles provide the Leaverage

This definitely is a lace & strap cutting (leather) instrument...rotating compus points / cutter knife, sliding center point...nippers. and skiver for cutting leather lacing's.

The sliding center point moves in or out to make narrow or wide strips...

It works by cutting a roundel (circular leather) and pull it thru the sharpened skiver...we used to do this to repair tack...

Today's instrument are now 2 separate pieces...a circle cutter and a lace cutter...

Saddlery happens to be a hobby since I was about 10...have used these tools many times...

As to age, I'd guess mid-19th to early 20th century

 

[mojjax]

I agree with the hoof tool idea .

 

[stefen]

Hoof nippers usually have 14 inch to 18 inch handles and a wide opening to facilitate trimming the walls...

Although Enderer makes ferrier tools, the one you're holding is a wire & bolt cutter

 

[TiredIron]

http://maggiemaefarm.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/burdizzo1.jpg

Looks like an antique tool for casturating sheep....and docking their tales. Your definately not going to trim a hoof with that......its only 4-5 inches long.

TiredIron

 

[Silver Searcher]

http://maggiemaefarm.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/burdizzo1.jpg

Looks like an antique tool for casturating sheep....and docking their tales. Your definately not going to trim a hoof with that......its only 4-5 inches long.

TiredIron

Looks similar, but why the two tools on the handles of the one posted

SS

 

[stefen]

Very ancient sheep castrating tool...dates before biblical times

 

[TiredIron]

To me it looks like it had a knife for cutting the sack.....and the little hook for when you snag the cord and pull the nuts out. The cutter docked the tails on the ewes. I've helped do about 200 that were going to be shown.....I don't know if that was common practice in the 1600-1700's though.
All just my WAG. But I do know for sure its not a hoof nipper....

TiredIron

 

[Mileaway]

I'd rule out it being used for hoof trimming...too small...and if you have ever trimmed a hoof, you'd know that the long handles provide the Leaverage

This definitely is a lace & strap cutting (leather) instrument...rotating compus points / cutter knife, sliding center point...nippers. and skiver for cutting leather lacing's.

The sliding center point moves in or out to make narrow or wide strips...

It works by cutting a roundel (circular leather) and pull it thru the sharpened skiver...we used to do this to repair tack...

Today's instrument are now 2 separate pieces...a circle cutter and a lace cutter...

Saddlery happens to be a hobby since I was about 10...have used these tools many times...

As to age, I'd guess mid-19th to early 20th century

I'm inclinded to agree. I was thinking more along the lines of a cobbler or furniture maker(leather).

 

[kuger]

I think Stefan nailed it