Unknown Die Head ? Thread Restorer ?

[rusty]

(Threads per Inch?).

From across the pond, but might or might not be old enough to predate Whitworth (1841)

hmm...very interesting design.....

[Billman49]

Small versions like this, with a finger hole in the body, were often used by clockmakers, lock makers etc for putting threads on studs that hold the bodies together... Hence the fine 24, 32 tpi...

[Branson]

I like it.  Haven't seen one quite like this, though I've seen them with a single handle.  Boker is a dependable hand tool and knife company.

[ouray19]

The grunge is like oil and dirt that has been packed in around the die heads. Maybe also clean off some of the rust. When I read about soaking in vinegar in a glass bowl I just thought it might help make this tool look better. Is it necessary to use a glass bowl or would a plastic tub work? I also have a bunch of old wrenches with paint and rust that I would like to clean. Is vinegar OK? Thanks

[rusty]

Plastic is fine for vinegar, and you can throw it away later when it gets scummy

Vinegar won't take off paint...just dissolves a little metal and lets the rust fall off...

[ouray19]

Thanks for your help. My wife locked all her good glass bowls in the cabinet and I'm not allowed to use them.........
Will give it a try this weekend and see what happens.
Thanks again, John.