I agree that it is an oakum packing tool used in joining large iron pipes way back in the day - probably before the 40's. There were all kinds of "packers", some bent to the right, some to the left, to get around pipes close to walls and corners. Funky tool - you can improvise with it after cleaning though it probably won't wind up at the top of your tool kit.
Hi Buzzpa,
I like your explanation... although I do not understand ways and slides. My uncle was a machinist, and to me, the polished wear on the corners is consistent with rapid movement.
I will never use this tool and the next generation will not appreciate it. Is there a market for such a tool?
Thanks for your help.
There seems to be a market for everything. There is an old-tool group in Rockville, MD that has occasional shows/sales of old tools where something like your tools would be displayed for sale. I am sure that there are others all over the country - try Googling to find one near you (and I have an old bottle capper that I want to sell.....)
Feel free to list this tool and any others in our Classifieds subforum.
Posts there will be in front of a lot of eyes each day - belonging to exactly the sort of potential buyer who might take an interest in old and/or unusual tools.
Ken