✅ SOLVED Hole Punching Thing??

[Tony in SC]

A friend had this device on his table at an antique engine and tractor show this past weekend. We find all kinds of "what's it" things at these shows. It is about 6" tall and 4" at the base. The two cups? are 1 1/2" in dia. Made of cast iron and there is a hole in the bottom of the plunger that lines up with the spike.

 

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[firemanphob]

My guess would be to put holes in leather for rivets. Trays on each side would hold rivers and burrs.

 

[firemanphob]

 

[dozer dan]

I was kinda wondering if it was for making ear tags for cattle.

 

[Tony in SC]

That's along the line I was thinking. It is for punching holes but I see no way it could set a rivet?

I was kinda wondering if it was for making ear tags for cattle.

 

[bowwinkles]

My thought is that it is a cast iron grommet press.

https://www.google.com/search?q=vin...KHUoKAvQQ9QEwA3oECAAQDw#imgrc=Lc20EYLef49ljM:

 

[Anduril]

I'm going to guess the two round "containers" on either side held whatever hardware (i.e., grommets, etc..) this tool installed.
I'm thinking a two-piece rivet, grommet, or such... (Bottom Hardware / Leather (Material) / Top Hardware)

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

This piece was obviously designed to hold hardware or parts of some kind in those 'cups' cast into the base.
The spring looks pretty strong, likely too strong for a person to simply press to parts together, maybe it was designed to be hit with a rubber mallet?

I like Mike's theory... "puts holes in leather for rivets".
Dave

 

[Tony in SC]

I'll go with leather punch. Thanks guys.