Vintage THE CHICAGO Old Cast Iron Tool Riveter? Emboss?

Vintage THE CHICAGO Old Cast Iron Tool Riveter? Emboss? - (eBay item 310009420712 end time Dec-26-07 17:25:04 PST)

Do you like old cast iron tools?

This vintage cast iron tool is a mystery to me. Is it a snap setter or riveter or what? It's marked, "The Chicago, Pat Apld For." The other side says, "7." Not too informative. Is it an embosser with the seals missing?

Why does it have a part that looks like an anvil? That makes me think it might be a shoemaker's tool for installing eyelets. The handle moves completely out of the way, perhaps for hammering the eyelets down good and tight on the anvil end.

There's not much of the original shiny black finish left. The handle moves easily and compresses the two cylindrical parts together.

Does this vintage cast iron mystery tool make you smile?

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Vintage HERBRAND NO. 188 TOOL Old Weird Claw Pliers! - (eBay item 290181403192 end time Nov-20-07 19:00:00 PST)

Vintage HERBRAND NO. 188 TOOL Old Weird Claw Pliers! - (eBay item 290181403192 end time Nov-20-07 19:00:00 PST)

This is a strange tool to me. Would you call them pliers? They're marked, "Herbrand No. 188, Made in U.S.A."

They're made of a silvery metal and have much patina. Do you know what this tool is for?

Do you want this old mystery tool?

See more photos on eBay.

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Vintage AMERICAN LA FRANCE FOAMITE CORP UNIVERSAL TOOL

Vintage AMERICAN LA FRANCE FOAMITE CORP UNIVERSAL TOOL - (eBay item 290181316457 end time Nov-20-07 18:30:00 PST)

This strange old cast iron tool is marked, "American La France Foamite Corp" on one side and "La France Universal Elmira N Y" on the other side. A Google search gives me links to fire extinguishers and fire trucks, so maybe this is something to go along with one of those?

The little flat area on a stalk coming out the middle of the tool has a chip missing. The side of the curved end has a small square with something inside that could be 11 or A or U or H. Not much help to me. How about you?

See more photos on eBay.

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