An old farming or household tool

[Jet Cash]

I picked up this old tool the other day, and at the moment, I have no idea of it's purpose. Some have suggested that it is a ploughing attachment, and some that it is a boot scraper. Neither of these ideas really seem to be compatible with its construction. What do its purpose was?

[jackg]

Maybe something a brick layer would use?

The large blade could be used to spread mortar and a handle to knock the bricks into place. The long bits could be used as a guide to ensure the bricks line up...

Unless that is a hinge in it at the base of the handle in which case it could do quite a lot more...

[Jet Cash]

It's not very clear from the picture, but the billhook like section has a cutting edge. The isn't a hinge.

I discussed it with a countryman yesterday, and he thinks it may have been used for splitting ash branches. I'm going to see him today, and he will have a look at the actual tool. He has also offered me a collection of old tools, so I am interested to see what is in that collection. Maybe I should start an old tools site.

[jackg]

Did he give you anything more as to what it could be? A branch cutter certainly sounds more like it if it has a sharp edge...

[Jet Cash]

The old tools were rusty and no use.

He thinks it is a custom made too,and designed by a woodsman. He seems to have modified a bill hook to create the tool.