Shot Removal Tool?

[dognose]

Any thoughts on the use of this mysterious object?


Images courtesy of Andy Taylor

It has been suggested that it may be a tool for removing lead shot from game birds etc. It's spring loaded and works with a plunger action that retracts automatically when released.

It's just under 4 1/2" (11.2cm) and weighs 25 grams. Assayed at London in 1919.

The maker I am uncertain of, but perhaps it may be John Faucherre. Any thoughts on this also welcomed.

Trev.

[oel]

Silver tool used by animal lovers to remove ticks. To pull the tick straight out from the skin.

Oel

[dognose]

Hi Oel,

Yes, that sounds quite likey. Is that a guess, or do you have knowledge of such a piece?

Regards Trev.

[oel]

Hi Trev,

No I have a dog and a kit with tick puller pliers with more or less the same ‘mouth’ as your silver piece. I believe the silver, spring loaded, automated tick remover once belonged to a veterinarian.
Cheers,

Oel

[JLDoggett]

Ticks could easily have been removed with tweezers, and in the period removing ticks would have been a gamekeeper's job, not reason to get the vet in. However I believe your first "suggestion" sounds correct. Removing shot would need to be quick and eastly done. The way the head is formed it could be plunged into a wound, expanded and the shot pulled out without leaving bits of lead behind.