✅ SOLVED Unknown 1880s Spring Loaded Sewing Tool?

[MilitariaCollector]

I found this recently at a garage sale and have no idea what it is. I've been told that it was perhaps used for sewing leather saddles. It is stamped on the metal shank near the handle "Pat. Aug. 28, 1881 AP'L 13, 1886". I'm not sure if any parts are missing or how it works. Can anyone tell me more about this item? Any help is appreciated!

 

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[nhbenz]

It's a rug hooking tool, as seen in the 1886 patent: Patent US339642 - Fabric-turfing implement - Google Patents

 

[MilitariaCollector]

Thanks for your help!