What-is-it question CLXXXVII

[dognose]

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.

[silverly]

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

[dognose]

Hi Silverly,

No, not even close I'm afraid.

Regards, Trev.

[wev]

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

[dognose]

Hi Wev,

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

Regards, Trev.

[wev]

recalcitrant toe nails?

[wev]

something to do with candles?

[dognose]

Nope, no connection with either of them.

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

[Hose_dk]

cigar cutter ?

[dognose]

Hi Hose,

You are getting very close to the answer.

Regards, Trev.

[wev]

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

[dognose]

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

[wev]

Tobacco tin opener?

[dognose]

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.

[wev]

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. . .