What is this thing?

[greentoad]

Can anyone identify what this is? My friend found it in an old house, in a desk. That"s all we know. It is well-made, with a plastic handle and the little star-shaped washers rotate freely.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2442303/photo%201.jpg

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2442303/photo%202.jpg

Untitled URL Link

 

[rhouston]

I have some vague memory of cancled or voided financial documents with perforations that would seem to match that device.

 

[DownSouth]

I dunno, maybe a hemroid removal tool? OUCH!

No matter, it's shiny so it should bring big bucks on fleabay. He could list it as a one of a kind shiny________(you fill in the blank) with no reserve. 'Ya never know!

 

[greentoad]

HA! -- Hemrroid remover -- you'd be amazed at how many people say that! -- Thanks to both of you for your response.

Yes I could see this possibly used on carbon paper or something like that -- but I think it's still a mystery at this point. I searched for "void document tool" and simiar on google with no luck.

This isn't critical, but it's really bugging me to figure out what the heck this could have been for? Pretty nicely made, but no apparent purpose?!

 

[John in Nebraska]

How about a flue cleaner, for some brand of oil stove. looks like that could knock carbon out pretty good.

 

[IH10020]

was used to stimulate sore muscles. another one of those ( but wait there's more commercials ).

 

[Jg20601]

I agree with rhouston. I have seen canceled documents with similar marks or holes.

Back when we used carbon paper reciepts, before the clunky metal credit card machines, they would lay the credit card or id card in the reciept between pages 3 and 4 and run a small rolling pin over it to do the impression for payment.

No electric or batteries needed, nor pin number, lol

 

[CAROGATOR]

looks like a meat cuber but missing the other roller end.