What's this tool?

Anyone able to shed light on this tool? O/A length 4" approx, has a tang for a file handle(?) and cross shape machined on the end by four equispaced milled groves (and a bit of needle file work).

The cross is quite accurately made 0.235" tip to tip and the arms of the cross about 25 thou. The end is quite 'crisp'.

I am thinking leather work or saddlery perhaps?

Steve W

Could it be a screwdriver for those flat headed screws with the cross slots?

Ian

Hello Steve

I don,t know the specific use for this tool ,but it looks as if it was made to turn something on.The cut outs at the top are I think the important bit with the wedge shaped screwdriver shapes being to guide the tool into the switch/lock/valve?

Francis

Hand held counterbore for cabinet makers.

Looks like a rivet splaying clincher for Lionel trains or similar.

Scroll down about hlf way: http://www.ebay.com/itm/LIONEL-TOOLS-STX-160-RIVET-PRESS-15-PIECE-TOOL-SET-/230605540636

Is it a tool for a fire arm , maybe military, has it any markings on it to indicate its manufacturer? Ian S C

No markings at all. It is quite well made and probably not a 'home made' job. There are no real signs of wear to show if it was for cutting or burrs etc. The age is almost certainly 70 years plus judging from the other tools I have with it.

Steve W

If military, I was thinking WW1. I'll have to have another think about it. One thing I was looking at was the shape of the blades lengthwise, look as though they are deliberately made to that pattern. Ian S C

Old turned wooden objects often have a cross shaped recess in one end. Could this be a driver for wood turning?

Russell.

I don't know what it was for really, but my twopenorth is that it is some form of key. Designed to be tamperproof, maybe some adjustment to speed, clearance etc. Does have the look of a railway tool.