Guess what this is a photo of!

[pacanis]

This item is much smaller than a can crusher would be, even those little tomato paste cans we were just talking about.... it's more discreet

 

[sattie]

Something to make bullets with... like to stuff the casings? Wild guess.

 

[sattie]

I guess you asked who would use it... a gunsmith? Is there such a thing?

 

[VaporTrail]

It appears too small to be a reloading press... The item seems to be only a couple inches long.

Here's a pic of a simple reloading press.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/Pod/02/84/26/p028426sq01.jpg


The first thing that came to mind was a bit of toilet hardware... but that was just first impression.

The chain's not heavy enough for it to be a lock of any kind. Looks like it's just there to keep a couple of different parts from wandering off.

I think that the cylinder opens (unscrews or something) and the chain keeps it from going anywhere. There's probably an open space inside that holds whatever it's meant to. The ring is there so you can attach it to something else (like with a padlock).

But of course that's just guesses.

 

[pacanis]

There is indeed a protective casing that comes off and the chain holds it in place.
The ring you see is simply a handle, something to hold onto.
To tell you who would use it would be too much of a clue just yet, but it would not be a gunsmith and it isn't any type of reloading device.
It is an antique and not made anymore, though I'm sure there are other devices around now that fulfill the same purpose.

If you were ever around anyone that was using this..... you probably would not realize it.

 

[sattie]

Was it commercially used for something or is it more of a personal item?

 

[pacanis]

I wouldn't say it was commercially used in the normal sense of the word, but it's not really a personal item. Most people would find it a novelty, but to some it would serve a very useful purpose even if only used once in a while. It would be useful while these people did their work or job or assignment....
You could be very close to this person doing their job and not even know it.

 

[Barbara L]

LOL My first thought was that you put a secret message in the cylinder and hooked it to a dog's collar to pass on the message.

Barbara

 

[YT2095]

a Dog whistle?

 

[pacanis]

Secret...... now there's a word that bears some thought..... and maybe a suffix.

Nope, not a dog whistle, but it resembles one when open, kinda.

A couple more guesses and I'll post a pic of it without the casing.

 

[sattie]

A writing instrument?

 

[pacanis]

Nope. It isn't used for writing......

 

[Buck]

Does it have a medical use?

 

[pacanis]

No medical use.

 

[Buck]

Is it a kind of signaling device?

 

[pacanis]

OK. I said I would post the whole thing after a few more guesses. Here it is, in all it's splendor. Complete with directional arrows. That probably have something to do with something...
Batter... err, typer up!

 

[Buck]

It looks like it's made of copper. Is it? Is that important to its function?

 

[pacanis]

It's made of brass and that has nothing to do with its use.

 

[Barbara L]

Is it some kind of odd type of key that opens something or makes something operate?

Barbara

 

[pacanis]

no, no, no.....
It's use is much more discreet, secretive.... dare I say, covert, than a simple key.

And that's all you're gettin' guys.