This tool is ~7 1/4" long, of 5/16" wire stock; the business end is almost 3/4" wide, weight is ~4 oz. There are no marks on it. I may have shown it here, but probably not based on how deeply buried it was when it rolled to the top during my search for another item. The working end appears to have been formed mechanically, rather than by hand...but the loop-handle looks to have been done the old-fashioned way, with fire an' hammer-skill. My guess is late 19th C. It's one of those things I won't use...but cannot bear to part with. Two of my mantras are 1) Function is Beauty, an 2) Form Follows Function. This sweetly simple tool epitomizes both, for me. Just a show 'n' tell, folks, an' thanks for lookin'!
I'd bet that now it's come to the surface, you might use it. We have a tiny crowbar that is one of my most favorite tools (although I would happily replace it with this tool). I feel the same way about my pocket knife sharpener. I don't have a pocket knife but the tool is just so clever and unique that I keep it.
