What tool is this?

[Anuj Prateek]

Found this in antique store sometime back. Was kept with hand planes and drills.

Looked cool and was some $10 so bought it. Figured it's a large screwdriver used for "something". Maybe railroad ties or ship building. It might very well not be related to woodworking. Moderators please feel free to delete the thread, if that's the case.

Restored it few months back. Posting here, JIC anyone knows what is this tool and what's it's intended use.


This is the only marking on the tool. Possibly, previous owners?

436445

It's 28" long overall. Blade is 21" long, tapers from ~1" to ~1/2" and is 1/8" thick.

436446

[Rick Potter]

A wild stab...a screwdriver for adjusting pianos? I have seen screwdrivers shaped like this before.

[Andrew Seemann]

It kind of looks like a custom or home made bearing scraper.

[Anuj Prateek]

I google'd for vintage piano screwdrivers and that led to vintage cabinetmakers turnscrew.

Found this: https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/extra-large-vintage-36-turnscrew-1809752413

I think it's a 2-3 inch short version of screwdriver in link.

Edit: Updated the link

[Tom Bender]

High end riding boots were provided with foot scratchers. Groom would bring it along on foxhunts.

[Anuj Prateek]

High end riding boots were provided with foot scratchers. Groom would bring it along on foxhunts.

Hey Tom, I can't make out if if there was any hidden pun or these things were actually foot scratchers. If later, that makes this interesting to me. If former, then I am going to spin that story for fun.

[johnny means]

Google "turnscrew".

[Tom Bender]

There is a plastic version available in Vail

[Bill Dufour]

Seems odd that the width necks down at the handle. Screwdrivers like that I have seen the metal goes all the way to the end of the wood handle. The handle is two pieces riveted onto the shank and it visible on both sides and the top of the handle.
Bill D