I.D. Help Needed!

The lettering seems “centered” so I don’t think it would be Paulson, or Paulsen but I guess that’s also possible.
Rau made stereoscopic photos, if that helps.

 

This Bucks County PA museum collects early tools and might be able to help you identify it:

https://www.mercermuseum.org/about/mercer-museum/

 

Thank you.

 

Could you explain this a bit more? The wooden elements the bolt runs through do not look like they are meant to move inward. What does tightening that overgrown wing nut do? If it holds the arm locked in place, argues against chopper & for something that had to apply sustained pressure, but in a very localized way, unless part(s) missing. I thought those were screw holes & that this piece was stationary, but see it does rotate:



Anybody, why does the arm need that hole so convenient for attaching a price tag? Why does the arm need to be that peculiar shape?

 

I believe the hole in the arm where the price tag is was where another handle was. The wing nut on the other side can tighten the center part of the tool. I'm still waiting on pictures from my store manager. This piece is in my store an hour away from me. As soon as I get them I will post.