Posted 7 years ago
AccordionBen
(3 items)
I recently got this brass tool but cannot find out what it is. Any ideas?
It is about 3.5 inches long and the diameter of the 4 smooth blades is about .75 inch. It has the word "Patent" on the stem plus some unreadable numbers. Is for gouging something out or perhaps for turning some lock that has a star shaped key hole. An suggestions appreciated.
Hello: Not a swage, too soft, and wrong design. I think you have a citrus reamer. If you can, try and raise the number behind the patent by pencil lead shading, chalk, etc. Good Luck!
https://www.google.com/search?q=vintage+brass,+hand+held,+citrus+reamer&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS760US760&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjFvrGpwcXWAhUFSRoKHfD0DWQQsAQIJw&biw=1093&bih=510#imgrc=zVKcPZxWEHvcQM:
Good reasoning as always Izenglish. Would work as a citrus reamer but also a pipe reamer. Google Dunhill Carbon Cutter....very nice item AccordionBen
That could be Horseradishman1, but i have never seen one made of less than Tool Steel, myself?
You are encouraging me to do my homework Izenglish!lol I did see that The Dunhill Carbon Cutter made in Austria is made of steel, some said stainless or nickle plated. I also found some made by A. Dunhill, London with the tee handle as above. No other info. They all had more flutes than above. This sure is an interesting and educational site...
Glad you are here to join in the fun Horseradishman1!
Take Care
Hi Guys. Many thanks for your comments. I think Horseradishman1 probably has it. It's not exact but has the same characteristics. Although I said it is brass I think it might be bronze which would be a more suitable material.
Purely a guess, but could it be a pipe-flaring tool for lead pipes? Way back when proper plumbers fitted gas meter connections they had to flare out the end of the lead pipe to provide a socket into which they would introduce hot solder to make a gas-tight joint. I have seen water pipes soldered this way too. I guess that iron would not be a good material for making the tool, as it may leave oxide deposits where it rubbed against the lead, making the joint difficult to solder.
Thanks Bigdaftjohn but I don't think you are correct. My father was a plumber and he used solid wooden pointed cones to flare the ends out. I have some of them.
Horseraddishman has it ! A tobacco pipe reamer. Beware of false prophets.
Honestly, it looks more like a dibbler for planting bulbs with.