I know it is not an antique, but i cannot figure out what this is used for. Stainless steel with black bakelite? handle. Marked Hoffritz Made In France patented. Measures 8 1/4" long. Did an image search and came up with nothing. Thanks
That is a clam / oyster opener - shucker... in fair condition, and although as you say not an antique, it may be rare. The company was established in New York City in the early 1930's. They were importers, retailers and wholesalers of a wide range of cutlery. At one time Hoffritz had almost 200 stores in the U.S., but declining sales and other problems led to the company's demise in the early 1990s.