A questioner said:
Weird brass knuckle? They have three leathery finger loops, and a long metal ‘scooper’. Found in a workshop area

More info from the questioner:

My uncle sent me these images, he was going through my grandpa’s workshop area in his basement. It’s looks pretty old, and he loved doing various wood working projects and working on cars. This was in the wood working part of the shop, though. We don’t have any clue what it may be!! Thank you all in advance 🙂

Some of the people opinions on it were:

ackrats: Looks like a corn husker to me.

Curithir2: I’ve used these for years to unstaple large numbers of stapled flats backstage. My fingers are grateful for it.

smh1979: This tool is also handy for pulling pecans out of their shells.

lwpho2: It looks like a vintage woodworking tool, possibly for stripping or shaving wood.

ashartman21401: My uncle found this in my grandpa’s workshop. He loved woodworking and working on cars, so it could be related to those hobbies.

twistedh8: Maybe it’s for rolling up towels or some kind of holder?

Imaginary_Daydream: This could be a stand to put your suitcase on while unpacking.

CarinasHere: Did you ask the hotel staff if they recognize it?

m0ta: Could it be a fixed rehal? They are used for holding religious books at an angle.

Slijmslet: It looks like a bag holder you might find in Japanese restaurants or hotels.

What do you think? Let us know in the comment!
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While cleaning out his grandfather’s workshop in the basement, a man’s uncle stumbled upon a peculiar brass knuckle-like object. The item features three leathery finger loops and a long metal “scooper,” leaving the family puzzled about its purpose. Given the grandfather’s passion for woodworking and car repairs, the object could be linked to one of these hobbies. However, its exact function remains a mystery.

Description and Features

The object is distinct in its design:

Three Leathery Finger Loops: These loops are presumably for grip, allowing the user to insert their fingers securely. The material appears aged, indicating it might be quite old.

Long Metal Scooper: Attached to the finger loops is a long, slender metal piece resembling a scooper. The metal part is sturdy and shows signs of wear and use.

Possible Functions

Given the object’s unusual combination of features, several theories about its purpose have emerged:

Woodworking Tool: The object could be a specialized tool used in woodworking projects. The metal scooper might have been used for carving or scooping out wood shavings, with the finger loops providing a secure grip.

Automotive Tool: Considering the grandfather’s interest in car repairs, it’s possible the tool was used for a specific task related to automotive work. The scooper could have been used to reach into tight spaces, and the finger loops allowed for precise manipulation.

Vintage Leatherworking Tool: The leathery loops suggest it could be related to leatherworking. The scooper might have been used to shape or cut leather, with the loops ensuring a firm hold during intricate work.

Agricultural or Gardening Tool: The design might be related to gardening or agricultural tasks. The scooper could have been used for planting or harvesting small crops, with the loops offering a comfortable grip.

Custom-made Tool: Given the grandfather’s penchant for DIY projects, there’s a chance this is a custom-made tool created for a specific, unique purpose that might not be immediately obvious.

Craftsmanship and Age

The object appears to be well-crafted, indicating it was made with a specific purpose in mind. The leather and metal components show signs of age, suggesting it has been in use for many years. The craftsmanship reflects a bygone era when tools were built to last and often customized to meet the specific needs of the user.

Seeking Answers

Despite the family’s best efforts, the exact function of this brass knuckle-like object remains elusive. They hope that by sharing images and details of the find, someone with more knowledge or experience might be able to shed light on its purpose.

Conclusion

The discovery of this unusual tool in a workshop filled with memories and relics of the past adds an element of intrigue and wonder. It’s a reminder of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of previous generations, who often created custom solutions to meet their needs. If you recognize this object or have any theories about its use, please share your insights to help solve the mystery!