Mother-of-Pearl Claw

[Granmaa]

Here is a 3" claw made of mother-of-pearl with an 18ct gold plate top. There are no signs that it was attached to anything. I have also seen the same item with a silver top. Does it have a use?

Miles


.

[2209patrick]

Hi Miles.

My first thought was an old rotary phone dialer that office workers used.
Just a wild guess, I really have no clue.

Pat.
.

[Granmaa]

I think that's a good guess. It's not like other dialers I have seen, but it does have wear on the tip and the end of the inside edge.
I've sent a query to a rotary phone collector and will report back.

Miles
.

[Granmaa]

No luck I'm afraid.

Miles
.

[dognose]

Hi Miles,

Could it be a pipe tamper?

Trev.
.

[Granmaa]

That might just be the answer, Trev!

Miles
.