What was this used for?

[Dennis WAParticipant @denniswa]

This "folding hook" made by Smiths of Saltley (the Snail brand tool makers) came from a deceased ME's workshop. It is 7" by 2". More pics in my album.

Can anyone advise what was it originally used for?

[Dennis WAParticipant @denniswa]

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

I've got one of those somewhere. I was told it was for cleaning horses hooves and adjusting the harness.

[pgk pgkParticipant @pgkpgk17461]

It doesn't strike me as a good shape for horses hooves but a couple of those might be handy to pick up baled stuff as well as a way to store wayward chimney sweeps between journeys up the next flue….

[egaParticipant @ega]

pgk pgk:

I agree it's similar to the hooks used in mills for handlng sacks but they have a sharper hook. The other end seems to be a screwdriver blade.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

Isn't it a banksman/longshoreman's hook for grabbing bales/crates etc. hanging from a crane?

Neil

[Gordon WParticipant @gordonw]

It may be a dockers hook but I can imagine it would be a bit dangerous with the sharp edges. Only ones I've seen were one piece bent -up rod. Might it be an ice hook- iceman deliveries?

[mark costello 1Participant @markcostello1]

Would the sharp part slice one's fingers open? Seems dull in that area would be best.

[Ady1Participant @ady1]

For opening and handling packing cases, or grates ?

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

Could the sharp bit be a screwdriver for opening cases and the hook for bales as others have said.

[jason udallParticipant @jasonudall57142]

http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Thomas_Smith_and_Sons_of_Saltley

[Martin King 2Participant @martinking2]

Pretty sure it is a harness makers tool. The folding bow is very similar (but larger) to antique folding corkscrews.

SNAIL brand tools are very collectable, I always get very high prices for mine when I get them.

Cheers, Martin

[Steven VineParticipant @stevenvine79904]

One on the bay

 

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I advocate a new forum rule …. any picture quizzes from now on must be accompanied by 'many' decent pictures of the object in question (from various angles).

Steve

Edited By Steven Vine on 25/01/2016 15:56:15

[Gordon WParticipant @gordonw]

After consulting with my friend- an ex jockey- it is indeed a hoof pick/ cleaner.

Edited By Gordon W on 25/01/2016 16:18:37

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

I concede, there are dozen's of longshoreman's hooks on the web, 80% have t-handles and none of them fold

They are also sharper!

Neil

[Dennis WAParticipant @denniswa]

Thank you Steven for the link and Gordon W for the confirmation.

Dennis

[egaParticipant @ega]

Neill Wyatt:

Marlon Brando had his slung over his shoulder in On the Waterfront.

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

BTW the handle is only big enough for two fingers. In view of the fact that the inside edge of the hook is flat I suspect it is really for putting through a loop in leather harness to pull it tight, or to pull up boots and then the screwdriver to adjust spurs, but then it finds other uses.

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Ha, I was right second time round.

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