Mystery Hand Held Tool Help Please

Picked this up today and I have no idea what it is for. It seems nicely made, must be steel, a magnet loves it!

It measures 5-1/4" (130mm) including the little curved nub on top; each arm measures 5" (125mm) including the circular joint; 1" (25mm) across the open side with the arms down just under the circular joint; 5/8" (16mm) the widest part of the "jaws".

The marks are: A; a crown; looks like "Pre Me" in script and "PS".

Does anyone know what this tool was used for?

 

Perhaps a nutcracker, along the lines of this CHRISTOFLE one?


from:
http://www.lamidesarts.fr/CHRISTOFLE-SILVER-PLATED-NUT-CRACKER

 

It seems a bit wide for a nut cracker, but maybe it's for large nuts

Anyone know what the marks mean?

 

MMMM, this one seems to be somewhat similar...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/18-19th-C-...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

Yes, it opens both ways and the opening is a bit smaller the other way.

 

Thank you everyone, it's looking like a nut cracker. I am hoping someone will be by to help decipher the marks so I can date it, I'm hoping late Victorian?

Do you think the crown is for Sheffield, or would that only be for silver?

 

It looks to be THOMAS PRIME & SON:


http://www.silvercollection.it/ENGLAPRIME.html

 

AAHHH, so maybe it was originally silver plate, I think the plating has worn off, but maybe not. I can give it a gentle polish and see how it looks.

What should I do about the little bits of rust? I was thinking a soft dry toothbrush and maybe a little WFD40 after?

 

Marie, I would first wash the whole thing in warm, soapy water to remove any dirt and "gunk". Then, see what a little gentle silver polish can do. If the rust remains, a soft toothbrush just on the rust itself may help.

I've never had to clean rust from silver plate, but I know that SOME people use baking soda and/or toothpaste on it, along with a cotton swab or soft brush. I honestly don't know whether this affects the plating at all.

 

Thank you! I haven't had rust on silver plate either, the rust seems to be coming from inside the hinges where the base metal is exposed.

Thank you again everyone! It's amazing the help we get on these boards, everyone is so generous

 

Others got in well before with my thoughts from photos, that it is a nutcracker & that PR ME could be PRIME. I'm going to throw in that it looks like a dual size cracker: walnuts, brazil nuts on one side; almonds, hazel nuts when used the other way.

 

Hi,
A little bit of vinegar and a soft brush the rust is gone. Keep it dry and oiled.
greg

 

I'm not reading past the post.....and saying nut cracker......just so it doesn't look like I'm agreeing with everyone else...

 

Yup...Mom had a bowl full of nuts always on the tea cart.....and several crackers ..that swung both ways..!

 

I was going to say something, but I won't.

 

SEE....See how hard it is to be good sometimes !!!!