Unknown Old Brass Object/Tool w/ Makers Mark

[MilitariaCollector]

Does anyone know what this object is? I think it might be some kind of tool, but I don't really know. It is about 7 inches long and appears to be made of brass. I'm not sure if it was made this way or is a broken part of something. There appears to be small "v" notch crudely cut into one of end of it. Both curved recesses also have some kind of hard dirt like build up or residue that I haven't bothered to clean off yet. The object is marked "NICHOLLS" and the stamp and lettering style look rather old to me. I found this with a vintage cigar box crate tack puller, as well as some other old random tools. Perhaps it has something to do with cigars? Does anybody know what this object is? Any help is appreciated!

 

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[MilitariaCollector]

More pictures

 

[Goldiver]

What you have is a brick jointer. When laying bricks you use this tool to smooth out the joints. It should be two different widths. If I remember right it is 3/8" wide on one side and 1/2 " wide on the other.

Steve

 

[MilitariaCollector]

Thanks for the info! I would have never guessed that. Any idea how it is?

 

[ARC]

Thanks for the info! I would have never guessed that. Any idea how it is?

It was made last week... :P

j/k ... gonna be a tuff date I.D.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

Based on the font of the lettering I'd say early 20th Century.

Trowel and Masonry Tool Collector Resource : History of Nicholls Manufacturing Co., Ottumwa, Iowa

 

[nagant]

That's an oldie, anymore their almost disposable. I thought it was Nichols but that's another company. Looks like ottumwa iowa was their start in about 1896-1901. started with carpenter squares.