Posted 10 years ago
jwenzel
(1 item)
The wooden handle pivots, like some kind of break-over clamp. Also it has a metal strip attached, not a sharp blade, but more like a stop.
Bought this in Western Arkansas, sticker on bottom says 'from Vermont' | ||
| Tools and Hardware7429 of 10103 |  |  |
Uh, prototype for the 1st stapler?LOL. This one has me totally stumped! Welcome to CW and I truly hope somebody can ID this so I can get a good nites sleep tonite.
??????????/
Nutcracker????
So sort of Press??? Just guesses....??
Can you please show the sticker? I think it is a leather clamp but not sure. The handle has been cut off. It is either pine or spruce so it wasn't used for food.
The sticker on the bottom was just a white paper dot with 'from Vermont' written on it. Don't think it was very old, just put on at the antique store.
No, it isn't old. Someone wanted it to look old. I questioned about the Vermont sticker because I was born and raised there and never saw something like this with a Made In Vermont sticker. I still think it was a leather clamp but made from odds and ends. Definitely not something mass produced. The handle has been replaced with part of a rung or spindle from a chair. Look at the finishes on the wood. Looks to me like someone used what they had to make the tool to get the job done. Call it folk art. If you raise the handle you should be able to slide something like a leather bridle under it then fold the handle down and hold the bridle tight to sew it or otherwise repair it. If you have a tack shop near you take it and ask to talk to an old timer and show it to him.
Did you ever find out what this was? I just bought one today in Winchester, Virginia at a yard sale. It looks identical to yours. I don't think it was just slapped together to get the job done. At least two of these were made in the world for some reason. It is baffling me. If you find out what it is, please let me know. This is definitely some kind of antique tool.
No, I never did find out. It's interesting that more were made tho! I'm taking mine to Ohio next month to an Amish community, maybe they can lend some insight.
If all else fails Vermont has a historical society and museum. You could email them a photo and request information.
http://vermonthistory.org/
Good idea! Let me know if you find out anything. I've been trying to ask around too, but without much success.