So what are they?

[neels]

These turned up in a garage cleanout, anybody have any idea what they are for? Had the local brains trust on the job without any luck.http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160804/4d53b541575d205380d6a9108b3df54d.jpg

[Voltaire]

The one on the right is one of the lost original tools for making Iron Crosses.
Here is a picture of a WW1 recipient.
http://skepticism-images.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images/jreviews/Hitler-1916.jpg

the chap at the back is getting the tool ready for use.
http://c8.alamy.com/comp/B4NED9/world-war-one-making-iron-cross-medals-october-1914-in-germany-in-B4NED9.jpg
and the finished product.
http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/m-8plNR7a_aoGomNe_7xw6Q.jpg

[TheDemonLord]

Something to make someone else confess?

[Big Dog]

They look like old fashioned nut crackers.https://www.etsy.com/listing/189043992/french-nutcracker-screw-press-nutcracker https://img0.etsystatic.com/030/1/8163241/il_570xN.600310850_fg8k.jpg

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[Big Dog]

Slower to use that the cantilever type but "ladies" and the elderly can still operate them.

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[Big Dog]

Wouldn't want to put my nuts in one mind.

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[Big Dog]

My grandad had one like the one on the right but with a pear shape. The middle collar piece screws down to hold the walnut against the chassis, then you turn the butterfly to Crack the nut.

Same principle in design as a modern chain cutting tool.

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[Big Dog]

Something to make someone else confess?
There is some evidence that they were originally designed for just such a purpose but with a flat blunt blade.
They would dislocate, crush then remove very slowly a knuckle.
Gives the torturer 28 goes at a confession. A further 20 goes on the end of your feet.

A Tudor era example pair of whole hand knuckle crusher sets.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160804/659de54dce1ca418045afd7b76842839.jpg

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[jellywrestler]

the brass thing with the numbers is a steel ruler

[jellywrestler]

old belt punch? and a hole maker maybe

[Big Dog]

old belt punch? and a hole maker maybe
That would explain why the one on the right passes right though the chassis at the bottom.

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[EJK]

Something to make someone else confess?

Or girlfriend moan? :blip:

[Grumph]

I'd guess that the one on the right could be a cabinetmakers drilling jig. Four different size gaps for different size pieces of wood and two places to use the drill from so useful across four sizes of timber. Drill size could be appropriate for dowels...
Left hand one is a mini press - dowel pusher ?

[ellipsis]

...you have found some Nutcrackers. Sweet...

[neels]

old belt punch? and a hole maker maybe
Looks like you've got the left one sorted, google becomes more helpful if you know what you're looking for...

http://www.thevintagetoolco.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=57

One down, one to go.

[FlangMasterJ]

...you have found some Nutcrackers. Sweet...

Good luck balancing a nut inside that thing, while holding the tool and trying to turn the screw.

[Banditbandit]

Don't be silly

They are very old implements for removing boy scouts from horses hooves ..

[old slider]

Don't be silly

They are very old implements for removing boy scouts from horses hooves ..

More like boy scouts from girl guide tents, lol

[ellipsis]

Good luck balancing a nut inside that thing, while holding the tool and trying to turn the screw.

...suite, FM...