Any ideas

[Neals]

Recently asked to identify this. I have not seen one before. Was told it was a log scribe but does not look very practical for that to me. LOL wrong photo.

[Neals]

Try #2.

[Branson]

It sure isn't a log scribe.  (what purpose would that have?)  It's a hand router -- the kind that inspired the Stanley 71 1/2.

[stillfishin]

I think its some kind of scribe, but it sure isn't a hand router. That blade is shaped totally wrong for that to be the case.

[oldtoolguy]

Branson is correct.  It's a hand router.

[stillfishin]

Any hand router Ive ever seen has a flat bottom to the blade. How could that one on that tool begin to cut any wood?

[gibsontool]

I can sort of see that being a router, it would cut a narrow channel thru a piece of material, but, I don't think that cutter is correct. Like stillfihin says the blade should be flat on the bottom. The blade or cutter does resemble a scribe point.

[oldtoolguy]

The router in the picture is laying on its' side, and the blade has slipped way down.  Google "old womans tooth router" and you will see all kinds of similar ones. 

[stillfishin]

Which part of the fact that a hand router blade has to have a flat bottom to function eludes you old tool guy? Or have you never worked with wood? If not I see where your confusion comes in. If you have can you show me any examples of hand routers that function with a curved blade in contact with the wood? I don't think you can because its not possible.

[oldtoolguy]

Obviously, I've seen a few more hand routers than you have.  Did you take the time to Google like I suggested?  That should explain it to you.  If not, I can't help you. 

[Bill Houghton]

In the first pic, I see what looks like a boat propeller and a folding rule.  Do I win the prize?

[Branson]

Which part of the fact that a hand router blade has to have a flat bottom to function eludes you old tool guy? Or have you never worked with wood? If not I see where your confusion comes in. If you have can you show me any examples of hand routers that function with a curved blade in contact with the wood? I don't think you can because its not possible.

Like every single other hand router of this style, the blade is angled slightly down.  Except that the body here is wood, it looks exactly like the Stanley #71, #71 1/2, # 271, all of which I have and have been using for 30 + years.  I have another, a coach maker's hand router, patterned like a spoke shave, which is also set up the same way.  You need examples?  Just google Stanley 71 1/2.  Except for the cast iron body, it is exactly the same.

Here's a modern made example:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/284641638921105738/

Several more:

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ShopMadeTools/BuildingaWoodenRouterPlane.html

Lie Nielsen's metallic version:

http://www.henryeckert.com/?route=product/product&product_id=544

One made in 1743:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/198510296047255041/

Undated example:

http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photos-old-router-plane-shavings-wood-board-image29431968

On ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Old-GRANNYS-WOMANS-TOOTH-HAND-OWT-ROUTER-Wood-BLOCK-PLANE-Spokeshave-1m-/141554523958

Different blade style:

http://hyperkitten.com/pics/tools/fs/archives/Jan2012/wbp5.html

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Tc0t8CgyXiI/TC82doTv1DI/AAAAAAAAE3s/jINMie_nFdw/s1600/RouterPlane.jpg

How to make your own:

http://www.bob-easton.com/blog/2009/866/

Do you need any more examples?  I'm one of the two master historical carpenters at Sutter's Fort State Historic Park.  I and the other master wrote the 1983 plan for the carpenter's shop there.

And stillfishin, before you get rude to Oldtoolguy again (if for some reason you must), make sure you know what you are talking about.

[Papaw]

I hope we don't descend into personal attacks over an old tool and its form and function.

[eddie hudson]

I think a few more pictures would help clear up the mystery.

[leg17]

Take it over to Topix children