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Tools and Hardware4514 of 9815Mystery ToolMauchline ware whistle
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    Posted 8 years ago

    RayStar
    (1 item)

    I bought this tool on eBay with the possible description of it being a barrel bung hole reamer. But I really don’t believe that’s what it is; there is no cutting edge. It might also help to know that the Starbuck name on this tool is NOT related to coffee. My Starbuck ancestors were very active in the whaling industry out of Nantucket and New Bedford. While this tool may be used for barrels, it would be barrels of whale oil; not wine, beer, or spirits. The Starbucks were Quakers. It would sure be great if one of y’all knows exactly what this is called and how it is used.

    Thank you.
    Ray Starbuck

    Unsolved Mystery

    Help us close this case. Add your knowledge below.

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    Comments

    1. lptools, 8 years ago
      Hello, Ray. I believe that is a PO Plug Wrench. Used for tightening basket strainers on sinks , laundry tubs, etc. Regards, Lou
    2. tbplotek, 8 years ago
      I have been trying to identify this tool also. Mine was a ground find in a stone cutters yard, about two years ago. It is definitely not old enough to be whale oil age.
      The lettering appears 20th century.
      Mine shows additional marks, a "B" in a circle on the Starbuck side and a "3" on the 730 side-both at the closed end of the fork.
      No wear signs at all, that I could detect, on any surface.
    3. RayStar, 8 years ago
      Thank you, mystery solved!

      I didn't find a specific demonstration of this tool in use, but this YouTube posting definitely shows the concept: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9f_tcjEPs4&t=1s
    4. Gillian, 8 years ago
      Sorry, watched the video clip, and I'm no wiser at all.
    5. lptools, 8 years ago
      Hello, The video is what you use when you don't have the Starbuck tool. I have one here, I will try to post a pic of the tool in use. Regards, Lou
    6. staggerlee staggerlee, 8 years ago
      Is it possible it could be used to open the bungs on a metal barrel?

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