Chips, check out patent number 877,306 issued to W. L. Dinsmoor from Long Beach, CA
his claim was that it would be hand to have in an automobile to use for tire or tube repair.
also for other roadside repairs.
back then in 1908, the motorist did many roadside repairs. the most common repairs were flat tires.
you could clamp it on the running board.
go to DATAMP and punch in the patent number, you will see a picture of what I believe that you saw.