What is it?

[Bruce Dorsi]

Is that a key like the old-time "watchmen" used to activate the time clocks?

[Crosley.In.AZ]

I've had this little tool for 50 yrs.  Used it in grade school

so: with this age group here.  I think someone willl guess what it is , quickly.

I am talking about the top tool in photo.  Not the tape measure , Tomslik

[enjenjo]

Is that a key like the old-time "watchmen" used to activate the time clocks?

No, but you are on the right track.

[phat46]

The key/wrench item looks like some I have seen for turning on sprinkler systems or gas valves.

[UGLY OLDS]

The key/wrench item looks like some I have seen for turning on sprinkler systems or gas valves.

I agree ... Looks like the key for a fireplace gas valve .....

Bob...

[UGLY OLDS]

I've had this little tool for 50 yrs.  Used it in grade school

so: with this age group here.  I think someone willl guess what it is , quickly.

I am talking about the top tool in photo.  Not the tape measure , Tomslik

 Does Stanley know that you have his tape measure    :?:  :?:

Bob..

[enjenjo]

The key/wrench item looks like some I have seen for turning on sprinkler systems or gas valves.

I agree ... Looks like the key for a fireplace gas valve .....

Bob...

Yes it's a key, but not for a gas valve. I'll admit it took some time to find out what it was.

[Bruce Dorsi]

This one is from fast 401. The sheath is a bit of a red herring

Next thought:   A key for the old red fire alarm boxes ??

[purplepickup]

This one is from fast 401. The sheath is a bit of a red herring

Municipal water meter key/tool?

[enjenjo]

It's a key for a very old wooden tool box. Fast401 got it from his dad. Now lets try to figure out Tony's thingie.

[phat46]

The thing that Crosley posted looks very familiar to me, but I can't put a name to it. For some reason I keep thinking there's a connection to BB guns...

[UGLY OLDS]

Now lets try to figure out Tony's thingie.

 SAY WHAAAAAAAAAAA  :?:  :?:  :?:  :?:  :?:  :?:  :?:  :?:

On a family channel no less .........    

Bob.....

[Charlie Chops 1940]

Is Tony's device a hole punch of some sort?

[Crosley.In.AZ]

Is Tony's device a hole punch of some sort?

Spring loaded punch for Co2 cartridges.   We used to build little rockets that run on a tether line.  Pop the end of the cartridge open & wow did those things travel fast.

The spring loaded  left side pulls back.  The black tab holds it in place, till you release it.

[Charlie Chops 1940]

When I was in early grade school in the late 40's those little CO2 bottles were everywhere - military surplus being what it was. A couple of the"big" kids must have had something like Tony's "thing". I don't think I ever saw what it looked like.

When I was about 10 or 11 I found a lost ten-spot. My dad was the chief of police in the little town we lived in so I turned it over to him. He said if no-one reported it missing in a month it was mine. No-one would but there was a bigger lesson hidden in there. I counted the days - I'd been in the local Army/Navy surplus store and they had the real deal, Army green, waterproof canvas, two-man pup tents with stakes, ropes and a folding shovel that doubled as a hammer and latrine excavator. And it was only ten bucks. It had my name on it.

When the time was up my Pop gave me the tenner and off I went to the surplus store. There it was, my name really was on it, and the guy says "Here, it's yours and it's already paid for." My Dad was a special guy AND, I can still smell that pup tent....