Chairmaker's Tool?

[Mike H]

Picked this up yesterday (New Year's Day) at an estate sale.
Tried to get 3 views but my poor  picture taking ability doesn't really
get across what I am wondering about. There are no bevels on this piece;
like  one would think a chairmakers spoon bit or something in that area would have
to be able to start and bore a hole.
I hope I haven't purchased a (shudder) gardening implement
Anyhow, whadda think this thing is? There was another one in the tool box just
like but about 1/3 again the overall length.
Also got a Stanley No. 3 Bench plane with Walnut Tote and Knob and a real small
Craftsman combo open end wrench. Total $6

[lptools]

Hello, Mike. My guess is a cooper's bung reamer. Regards, Lou

[wvtools]

It is a lead pipe reamer, used for fitting smaller pipes into lead pipes.  I sell a fair number of those to woodworker's who use them as reamers.  You can put quite a good edge on those.

[Mike H]

Hey LP & WV Tools:
Thanks for quick answer; sounds reasonable enough
At least it is not a mini grass plugger

[john k]

Yep, lead pipe tool.  I found that lead pipe was only sold in straight lengths.  The plumber had to craft any unions, elbows or Tees he needed, so these probably did a lot of work. 

[Chillylulu]

Yep, lead pipe tool.  I found that lead pipe was only sold in straight lengths.  The plumber had to craft any unions, elbows or Tees he needed, so these probably did a lot of work.

Or just made to size from sheet lead.....

Chilly

[lptools]

Hello, wvtools. Thanks for the info. Regards, Lou

[Catch22!]

Never worked with lead, but I did do a lot of seedling planting when I was a youth.  Looks just like a seedling planting tool  (dibble)
to me.

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-dibble-bulb-seedling-planter-515099017

[mikeswrenches]

Worthpoint is wrong...or rather the guy who posted it on eBay was wrong. It is a lead pipe reamer.  A dibble is also pointed but is solid, rather than hollow.

Google "dibble picture" and you will what it looks like.

Mike

[lptools]

I didn't want to quibble over a dibble, but I agree with Mike, the Worthpoint posting was telling a fibble.

[Northwoods]

Ishkabibble!

[lptools]

Hello, Here are a couple pics from Alvin Sellers' Dictionary of American Hand Tools. I hope this sheds some light on the subject. Regards, Lou

[Catch22!]

I will concede to the leadders.  Found another link


http://www.periodictable.com/Items/082.54/index.html

[mvwcnews]

Found another lead working function by accident in 1919 Automobile Trade Journal  -- battery re-building.