Here is the second unknown that needs a name. Metal, probably hand forged, 4 x 1 1/2 x 1/8in.

makes me think of a wire fence splicing tool.  just not sure where or when I may have seen something similar.

 

I'm betting on a saw set

https://www.kencove.com/fence/Wire-Twisting+Tool_detail_TWTL.php  heres a link to a similar tool.

Or maybe just a two-way bottle opener.

 

I believe Dogsoldat has nailed it, or would that be has it wired up?

Learn something new everyday. Looks like a nifty tool. Had to watch the video on the link to understand how its used.

I've been trying to remember some of the WWI wire tools; but I think those pictures were b.c. for me,   (before concussions).  I'll try to look at the 1897 and 1905 and 1908 Sears Roebuck catalogs to see if they have anything like that in them.

Thanks very much to all who answered, very creative thinking!  I believe we have a winner in Dogsoldat and I agree with Daswulf, the video is worth a thousand texts (that's a contemporary take on the old saying). I am going to include the YouTube info within the museum's database.  I would not have ever guessed of this usage, nor thought to consult a wire resource. 

Wahoo, one down, a bunch to go!  Since you are warmed up from this exercise are you up for another?  I'll post a new thread with one of my other unknowns. 

Best, Tool Gal

 

4 minutes ago, Toolgal said:

Since you are warmed up from this exercise are you up for another?

You have to ask?!

Seriously, this is a really fun game.  I’m hoping this goes on for a while.

Please do post more.  Always interesting to see just whats out there

 

New thread for each unknown tool is the best. It makes things searchable.

We LOVE getting questions like this, we not only get to help but we often learn something new. I was trying to describe something like this I'd thought of to do a job someone else was trying to do in quantity. The wire twister isn't what I was thinking of and wouldn't work as it stands but it's close enough in principle to adapt. 

I LOVE good questions and Iforge attracts them like a super magnet. 

Frosty The Lucky.

Didn't find anything in the Sears Roebuck Catalogs: 1897, 1905, 1908 looking around the barbwire pages.