What is it? Medical? Very old

oldbattleaxe · May 28, 2010

This has been in my collection for years. I have been on many medical instrument sites but with no luck. Maybe one of you can tell me? There doesn't seem to be any markings. Looks like most of the silver or chrome has worn off. It is approx 12" long.

oldbattleaxe · May 28, 2010

oldbattleaxe · May 28, 2010

warsawdaddy · May 28, 2010

Turn your head and cough?

Lucas · May 28, 2010

I'm thinking pig forceps? :dontknow:

mojjax · May 29, 2010

Here is a similar item that was Id'ed as a shoe stretcher .

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,75938.0.html

traderoftreasures · May 29, 2010

looks like a baby pig puller to me

mastereagle22 · May 29, 2010

One thing to add a fly to the ointment. Prior to the industrial revolution, physicians could and did have many items made specifically for them. No one else would ever know what the item was for so you may have something that was custom made for someone.......... just to add my 2 cents :icon_thumleft:

GL · May 29, 2010

Dental

bradyboy · May 29, 2010

either way, nasty scary looking to me just thinking of the possibilities
Brady

Gypsy Heart · May 30, 2010

It looks like forceps for an obstetrician ....unfortunately it looks more on the end of baby elimination,rather than delivery

traderoftreasures · May 30, 2010

Gypsy Heart said:
It looks like forceps for an obstetrician ....unfortunately it looks more on the end of baby elimination,rather than delivery

i believe gypsy heart is correct... abortion tool

oldbattleaxe · May 30, 2010

I have had it for many years and have not found anything like it. My thinking would be for tooth pulling but it would be rather crude device for that. the curviture on the one end looks like it would grip a tooth. The other end you would slide your thumb through for grip and pull. I like the special made medical tool the best. The chroming of this device tells me medical. Maybe we can figure this thing out? Thanks for all of the opinions. Bill

stefen · May 30, 2010

BUNION & TOE STRETCHER FOR LEATHER SHOES & BOOTS...USED IN OLDER SHOE STORES AND REPAIR SHOPS...

REMEMBER WHEN THERE WERE SHOE REPAIR SHOPS ON EVERY CORNER...NOW SELDOM FOUND

Lucas · May 30, 2010

stefen said:
BUNION & TOE STRETCHER FOR LEATHER SHOES & BOOTS...USED IN OLDER SHOE STORES AND REPAIR SHOPS...

Hmm very similar.

Note the what's it is hand made, with a nicely fitted box joint.

On the bunion stretcher "This tool was patented in 1897."

Not sure it is the same tool. Maybe BCH will find the patent drawing? :icon_thumright:

Lucas · May 30, 2010

Compare to these...

pig puller/forceps

oldbattleaxe · May 30, 2010

What would the other end be for?

Unicorn · May 30, 2010

They look like a pair of swab forceps to me......Never saw a tool like that in the dental surgery I once worked for.

U.

mrjosh · Jun 12, 2010

stefen said:
BUNION & TOE STRETCHER FOR LEATHER SHOES & BOOTS...USED IN OLDER SHOE STORES AND REPAIR SHOPS...

REMEMBER WHEN THERE WERE SHOE REPAIR SHOPS ON EVERY CORNER...NOW SELDOM FOUND

A little over ten years ago I worked for Texas Boot Company, we had one in the store i worked at. I think I was the only one who ever used it, and that was very few times.

oldbattleaxe · Aug 9, 2013

I do think it is medical since looks very similar to forceps and at one time this tool was coated stainless steel or chromed or silvered? Swab forceps it is more likely