Auto pliers

[Branson]

There's a new antique store not four blocks from my house.  Of course I dropped in.  They're in the process of putting in a tool section.  The guy asked me about these pliers and let me take them home to photograph so I could ask the experts here. 

I've never seen another pair like them.   The first things I noticed are the scoops on the jaws.  Made me look twice.  The second thing that struck me is the deep script "Auto" on the handle.  The only other mark is a hard to see "Pat. Applied For."

The guy wants to know how to price them, of course, but he wants to know the history -- and so do I.

[john k]

Hmm, the heavy jaw to me says pre-1920s, and the script, well, I have some Auto-Kit wrenches, so was more likely than not  part of an auto tool kit.    How much?   I'd grab it for $3 or $5, in the right place maybe $10?  Lots of old pliers out there.  They were one tool that never went out of style.

[lauver]

branson

Is it a slip joint or a fixed pivet plier?

[Branson]

branson
Is it a slip joint or a fixed pivet plier?

It's a slip joint.  No slop in the slip joint like some older pliers.  The ends of the jaws, by the way, are flat.