www.925-1000.com

I'm sure this one will catch you all out.



The length is just a little over 6 inches, it has a steel blade and a repoussé silver handle.

What was the use that this item was sold for?

Trev.

I am going to guess that it has something to do with taking care of fingernails.

Hi Silverly,

No, not even close I'm afraid.

Regards, Trev.

It looks like it is designed to split something open or into pieces -- sugar? hard candy? shell fish?

Hi Wev,

You're getting warmer, but it's not food related.

Regards, Trev.

recalcitrant toe nails?

something to do with candles?

Nope, no connection with either of them.

This would be an ideal gift for the man that has everything.

cigar cutter ?

Hi Hose,

You are getting very close to the answer.

Regards, Trev.

If it's a pipe reamer, I can see why it didn't catch on.

No, not a pipe reamer, but as you have all probably guessed, it's smoking related.

Tobacco tin opener?

Hi Wev,

I think you're close enough, we'll settle for that. The item is a cigar box opener. As I remember, as well as being sealed with a paper label, the lid was usually pinned down as well, thus the notch in the blade. It appeared in Samuel Kirk & Son's catalogue of 1914.

How did they ever open cigar boxes before Samuel Kirk came to the rescue of mankind!



Thanks to all that participated.

Regards, Trev.

Well, now you can call me just stupid -- I have one (a modern version) in my desk drawer.

Cigars were sold in bundles, usually tied with a printed ribbon. Quantities were packed in chests or, especially for overseas shipment, in casts filled with sweet hay.

I think I'll have one now. . .